Surname Marshall - Meaning and Origin

The Impact of iGENEA DNA Test on my Perception of the Marshall Surname and Personal Identity

The iGENEA DNA test has offered a fascinating journey into my heritage, profoundly reshaping my understanding of personal identity, particularly with regards to my surname, Marshall. Previously a mere familial moniker, the name has now transformed into a symbol of a rich historical tapestry.

L. Marshall

Marshall: What does the surname Marshall mean?

The surname Marshall originated from the Old French "mareschal" which means 'horse servant'. It was an occupational name typically given to a person who took care of horses or a farrier in medieval England and Europe. The role of a marshal could often include the duties of a stable manager, horse trainer, or even a high-ranking officer who was in charge of a medieval prince's or noble's horses and stables. In some instances, Marshalls held a higher status, acting as military leaders or court officials. Therefore, the term 'marshall' evolved over time and depending on the context, could reflect different responsibilities and social rankings. This surname is now common in English-speaking countries.

Marshall: Where does the name Marshall come from?

The surname Marshall is of English and French origin, derived from the Old French term "mareschal," which means "marshal." The term was a title given to those who tended to horses, but it later evolved to represent high-ranking positions in the royal household responsible for the keeping of horses and directing of military strategy. Over time, it became a surname bestowed upon people in these professions. It established as a surname after the Norman Conquest in 1066, as the Normans brought it to England.

Today, Marshall is widespread in English-speaking countries, predominantly in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. In the United States, it is widely prevalent, found most densely in the states of Texas, California, and Florida. However, it has a prominent presence in Scotland and Ireland due to historical migration and cultural exchange. In some cases, it might have been adopted as an Anglicization of equivalent surnames in other languages.

Variations of the surname Marshall

The surname "Marshall" is believed to derive from the Old French "marchis", which was a rank or title for a military commander responsible for the care of horses. Throughout history, the spelling of surnames has changed due to regional accents, literacy levels, and even personal preference.

As a result, the surname Marshall is found in many variations, primarily among English and Scottish families. Some different spellings include: Marshal, Marschall, Marschal, Marshale, Marsheil, Mershall, Marshell, and Marschell.

The surname has also been transformed and adapted into different forms as people migrated and languages changed. In German, it is spelled as "Marschall". In French, the surname is spelled as "Marechal". The Italian spelling is "Maraschiello" and in Dutch, it is "Marskamp".

Marshall can also be found merged with other surnames or as a part of compound surnames. Examples of this include Marsh-Cook, Marsh-Hoby, and Marsh-Bell.

Though the direct origin of the surname can be traced back to Old French, the influence of different languages and the passing of time have led to there being numerous variants and related surnames today.

Famous people with the name Marshall

• Dame Julie Marshall: Actress and writer
• Rodney Marsh: Former English football player
• Peyton Manning: American football quarterback
• Thurgood Marshall: Late Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
• Marshall Mathers (Eminem): American rapper and record producer
• Thomas G Marshall: Former 28th Vice President of the United States
• Lily Marshall: Professional golfer
• Pamela S. Marshall: American television producer, director and writer
• Skip Marshall: American basketball coach
• Garrett Marshall: American actor and director
• Jack Marshall: Hollywood composer, orchestrator, harpsichordist, and arranger
• Luke Marshall: Irish Rugby player
• Tilda Swinton: British actress
• Steven Marshall: 31st Premier of South Australia
• Lucy Anne Marshall: English model
• Bert Marshall: Canadian country and folk singer, songwriter and fiddler
• Reg Marshall: Mid-20th century professional boxer
• Mitchell J. Marshall, Jr.: American judge and politician
• William Marbury Marshall: American jurist and politician
• Miller Marshall: Canadian politician

Other surnames

MarshalMarshalkovitch