Fleming History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Fleming is a name that originated amongst the industrious people of Flanders The name came to Ireland with the Anglo-Norman settlers that followed the Strongbow led invasions of 1171 and 1172. 

The Fleming name is derived from the Old French word “flamanc,” which means a “Flemishperson” or simply a “Fleming.” “Many natives of that country joined William the Conqueror in the invasion of England. Several persons designated Flandrensis occur in Domesday Book; thus Winemar Flandrensis was a tenant in chief in co. Buckinghamshire, and Hugo Flandrensis in Bedfordshire. He assumed this surname in regard he came from Flanders, and assisted William at the Battle of Hastings.” [1]

Early Origins of the Fleming family

The surname Fleming was first found in the eastern Irish county of Meath. There, the family acquired considerable estates and built the Castle Slane.

In the early days there was much movement throughout what is now known as the British Isles. We note this entry for the family in Saltash, Cornwall: “This manor, which extends its jurisdiction into several parishes in Cornwall and Devonshire, belonged formerly to the ancient family of Fleming in Devonshire, Barons of Slane in Ireland. By the sons of a sister, and one of the co-heiresses of the Fleming family, it was sold in the sixteenth century to Thomas Wyvell, Esq. from whose family it passed by a female heir to the ancestor of Francis Wills, Esq. of Saltash, the present proprietor. ” [2]

“It is probable that Manely Fleming [in the parish of St. Veep, Cornwall] belonged originally to the ancient family of Flemings, since they bear one common name.” [2]

Early History of the Fleming family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Fleming research. Another 84 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1404, 1416, 1542, 1590, 1593, 1665, 1599 and 1631 are included under the topic Early Fleming History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Early Notables of the Fleming family (pre 1700)

Of note in the family at this time was Nicholas Fleming, Archbishop of Armagh from 1404 to 1416, best known for his “Fleming’s Register”; Rev. Richard Fleming, SJ (1542-1590), professor of philosophy in Paris, regarded as… 
Another 35 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Fleming Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Fleming World Ranking

In the United States, the name Fleming is the 258^th most popular surname with an estimated 101,967 people with that name. [3] However, in Canada, the name Fleming is ranked the 359^thmost popular surname with an estimated 12,664 people with that name. [4] And in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Fleming is the 196^th popular surname with an estimated 212 people with that name. [5] Australia ranks Fleming as 212^nd with 15,680 people. [6] New Zealand ranks Fleming as 182^nd with 3,010 people. [7] The United Kingdom ranks Fleming as 286^th with 21,268 people. [8]

 Fleming migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were: 

Fleming Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

• Thomas Fleming, who landed in Jamestown, Va in 1616 [9]
• Richard Fleming, aged 24, who landed in Virginia in 1635 aboard the ship “Plain Joan” [9]
• Richard Fleming, who settled in Virginia in 1635
• Abram Fleming, aged 40, who landed in New England in 1635 aboard the ship “Increase”, bound for Boston [9]
• Elizabeth Fleming, who arrived in Virginia in 1650 [9]
• … (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Fleming Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

• Margaret Fleming, who landed in Virginia in 1701 [9]
• Richard Fleming, who arrived in Virginia in 1701 [9]
• Alex Fleming, who arrived in Virginia in 1701 [9]
• John Fleming, who landed in Virginia in 1702 [9]
• James Fleming, who arrived in Virginia in 1703 [9]
• … (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)