Return to Cornelius of Sunderland Passenger List
Messer Family Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 (Index)

 

Distribution of the surname Messer in the United Kingdom in 1881 and 1998. The Messer surname in the United Kingdom is of early French origins, perhaps dating back to the conquest of 1066, or introduced shortly thereafter. It was also reintroduced by the Huguenot Protestant refugees in the period after 1580 when religious persecution became the norm in France. The name is occupational deriving from "Messier" and describes a hayward, one who was responsible for the gathering of the winter hay, and the protection against loss. In 1881, a half century after the Cornelius of Sunderland settlers had departed high concentrations of people with the Messer surname were living in the eastern Borders region of Scotland. William Messer was born in Tweedmouth just south of the border. Click on image or here for enlarged view (Source of maps -- The National Trust Names.) http://www.nationaltrustnames.org.uk/

Return to Cornelius of Sunderland Passenger List
Messer Family Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 (Index)