Meatcher

This interesting surname is of pre 7th Century Anglo-Saxon (Germanic) origins, and derives from the topographical word "Mucke". The literal meaning is "the muddy place" but as in the period before the draining of lands became common, all places were more or less muddy, the interpretation has a wider meaning. In fact "Mucke" refers to water meadows, low lying areas which were allowed to flood in winter, a "meaker" being a person who lived or worked at such a place. The name has long been recorded in England as Meaker, Meatcher, Mecar, Mecer, and the curious Meckeurer, and examples include Mary Meaker who married Edward Tomson at St. John's Church, Hackney, on December 14th 1619, whilst on August 21st 1782, Elizabeth Meaker married James Warham at St. Olave's Church, Southwark, both in London. The Coat of Arms is from Balgheim in Germany and is per pale countercharged blue and gold charged with two silver fleur-de-lis. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Ellen Meacer, which was dated December 21st 1577, marriage to Isaac Purpoynt, at St. Leonard's Church, Eastcheap, London, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1, known as "Good Queen Bess", 1558 - 1603. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.