Marcell History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Marcell family

The surname Marcell was first found in Dauphiny (French: Dauphiné or Dauphiné Viennois), a former province in southeastern France, where the family emerged as a noble family from ancient times.

The first member recorded under this name was S. Marcel, who was a martyr in Châlons-sur-Saône in 179. Saint Marcel, who became Bishop of Paris, died in about 440. From then on, no known records over the next eleven centuries, the family grew, prospered and branched extensively throughout France. Within the family were members who were recognized and honored for their excellent service to the country.

Étienne Marcel, who was assassinated in 1358 trying to deliver Paris to the King of Navarre and who was called one of the most remarkable politicians of the Middle Age; Guillaume Marcel (1647-1708), was a noted scholar. Guillaume’s grandnephew, Jean-Joseph, was an Orientalist, who became a member of the Institute of Egypt, then Director of the Imperial Printing Press. The family branched to Maurepas, and St. Andeol in Dauphiné.

François Marceau, born in 1641, son of André and Marie (née Guignand), travelled from Poitou, France to Canada in the 17th century. After arriving in Quebec he married Marie-Louise Bolper, born in 1651, daughter of Gilles and Nicole (née Le Chef), at Sainte-Famille on 12th October 1671. The remained together in Quebec until François passed away around 1687. 1