Show ContentsMixen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Mixen is an ancient Norman name that arrived in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Mixen family lived in Yorkshire. Their name is thought to be derived from the place-name, Moucon, in Normandy, although another account suggests that it is a variation of the French name Musset. Both theories are considered valid, but historians disagree on which applies to individual cases.

Early Origins of the Mixen family

The surname Mixen was first found in Yorkshire where they held a family seat in the large village of Muston in the East Riding of that County shown at the taking of the Domesday Book in 1068 to be held by Gilbert de Ghent (Flanders) from the King. Gilbert held the Manor at that time and, conjecturally, the family are believed to be descended from this Norman noble. The village name Muston or Musson is also believed to be related to a Norman family name of Moucon, and may have been the surname of Gilbert of Ghent (Flanders) or Gand, or a member of his family. Gilbert was one of the most highly honored Barons who assisted Duke William at Hastings in 1066. He became Baron Folkingham, possibly a nephew of Queen Matilda, and held no less than 172 English manors.

Early History of the Mixen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Mixen research. Another 184 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1094, 1207, 1326, 1373, 1473 and 1509 are included under the topic Early Mixen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Mixen Spelling Variations

Endless spelling variations are a prevailing characteristic of Norman surnames. Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules, and the introduction of Norman French added an unfamiliar ingredient to the English linguistic stew. French and Latin, the languages of the court, also influenced spellings. Finally, Medieval scribes generally spelled words according to how they sounded, so one person was often referred to by different spellings in different documents. The name has been spelled Muston, Musson, Moucon, Mussen, Mustons, Mussin, Musin, Muson, Musten, Moussen, Mousson, Mussons, Mustain, Mustin and many more.

Early Notables of the Mixen family

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

Migration of the Mixen family

To escape the political and religious persecution within England at the time, many English families left for the various British colonies abroad. The voyage was extremely difficult, though, and the cramped, dank ships caused many to arrive in the New World diseased and starving. But for those who made it, the trip was most often worth it. Many of the families who arrived went on to make valuable contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name Mixen or a variant listed above: James Musson, who arrived in Virginia in 1658 from England; William Musson, who arrived in New York in 1796; Hen Muston, who arrived in Virginia in 1669.



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