Show ContentsVolking History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Volking family

The surname Volking was first found in Lincolnshire at Folkingham (Falkingham), a village and civil parish at the northern edge of the South Kesteven district. "The origin of this town is attributed to the baronial residence of Gilbert de Gaunt, son of the Earl of Flanders, and nephew of Matilda, queen of William the Conqueror; accompanying that monarch in his expedition against England, he was rewarded for his services with 113 lordships in the county of Lincoln, of which he made this place the head." 1 Literally, the place name means "homestead of the family or followers of a man called Folca," from the Old English personal name + "-inga" + "ham." 2 The Domesday Book of 1086 lists the place name as Folchingeham 3 and conjecturally, the surname is descended from the tenant of the lands and village of Folkingham, held by Gilbert de Gaunt, (c. 1040-1095) who built a castle there.

Early History of the Volking family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Volking research. Another 116 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1394, 1415, 1420, 1487, 1510, 1600, 1683, 1732, 1755 and 1757 are included under the topic Early Volking History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Volking Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Volking has been recorded under many different variations, including Folkingham, Folkinham, Folkham, Volkingham, Volking, Falkingham, Falkinham, Folkington and many more.

Early Notables of the Volking family

More information is included under the topic Early Volking Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Volking family

To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Volkings were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: Clara I. Falkingham, aged 7, who arrived at Ellis Island from London, England, in 1920; Fannie Falkingham, aged 14, who arrived at Ellis Island, in 1895.



  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  2. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
  3. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)


Houseofnames.com on Facebook