The derivation of the name
Variants - Fleming, Flemming, Flemyng, Fleeming, Ffleming etc
The name "Fleming" was a descriptor of nationality "le Fleming" or (Latinized) "Flandrensis" being a native of Flanders. The name appears in records going back to the 12th century. Large parts of the upper ward of Lanarkshire were Flemings who lived at Boghall castle near Biggar. References to other ancient bearers of that name and variants are documented in The Surnames of Scotland by George Black.
There appear to have been a number of "Invasions" of Flemings coming to Britain to escape harsh conditions or even persecution in their homeland. It is said that many were in the rag trade.
There have been famous Flemings down through the ages as well as a few not so famous ones. Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of penicillin and John Ambrose Fleming the famous scientist, remembered by countless physics students for his left and right hand rules.
Flemings have not always been popular and we read that "in the year 1155, Thomas Beckett being Chancellor to Henry II, caused the Flemings to be banished out of England, and their castles built to be pulled down".. An edict more easily made than enforced.
For some peculiar reason there is a tendency for people to spell the surname with two m's, "Flemming" and although there are a few of that name (including a friend from Coffs Harbour, NSW, Janet Flemming) a glance at any telephone book will reveal that they are a small minority. I have always said that we came from the Scottish side of the family and saved on ink.
The Flemings have been linked to the Scots Murray Clan as an early chieftain was described as "ane Fleming".
The Coat of Arms of the Flemings (see above) has as it's adornment the head of a goat, so it is not surprising that the last "fool" ever appointed by a noble family in Scotland was named James Fleemen or Fleming 1713-1778. Now, if you are interested let's go through the Fleming side of my family.
There appear to have been a number of "Invasions" of Flemings coming to Britain to escape harsh conditions or even persecution in their homeland. It is said that many were in the rag trade.
There have been famous Flemings down through the ages as well as a few not so famous ones. Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of penicillin and John Ambrose Fleming the famous scientist, remembered by countless physics students for his left and right hand rules.
Flemings have not always been popular and we read that "in the year 1155, Thomas Beckett being Chancellor to Henry II, caused the Flemings to be banished out of England, and their castles built to be pulled down".. An edict more easily made than enforced.
For some peculiar reason there is a tendency for people to spell the surname with two m's, "Flemming" and although there are a few of that name (including a friend from Coffs Harbour, NSW, Janet Flemming) a glance at any telephone book will reveal that they are a small minority. I have always said that we came from the Scottish side of the family and saved on ink.
The Flemings have been linked to the Scots Murray Clan as an early chieftain was described as "ane Fleming".
The Coat of Arms of the Flemings (see above) has as it's adornment the head of a goat, so it is not surprising that the last "fool" ever appointed by a noble family in Scotland was named James Fleemen or Fleming 1713-1778. Now, if you are interested let's go through the Fleming side of my family.
FLEMING
What remails of Boghall Castle
This page last modified on Monday, December 27, 2010