Mellor

Mellor is a surname of English origin.

Name History

Flemish surnames are characterized by a large number of spelling variations. One reason for this is that medieval English lacked definite spelling rules. The spellings of surnames were also influenced by the official court languages, which were French and Latin. Names were rarely spelled consistently in medieval times. Scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to specific spelling rules, and people often had their names registered in several different forms throughout their lives. One of the greatest reasons for change is the linguistic uniqueness of the Flemish settlers in England, who spoke a language closely related to Dutch. The pronunciation and spelling of Flemish names were often altered to suit the tastes of English-speaking people. In many cases, the first, final, or middle syllables of surnames were eliminated.

The name has been spelled Mellers, Mellors, Meller, Mellor, Melliar and others. First found in Dorset where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Coat of arms

Traditionally, English heraldry limited the use of heraldic symbols and devices to a single individual, who passed down these Coat of arms down from generation to generation. Originally each 'Family' would have their colours (for the Mellors's this was white and gold), then it became 'fashionable' to adopt a motif that was significant to the family.

Places

• Mellor, Greater Manchester
• Mellor, Lancashire

Surname

• Danie Mellor, (born 1971), Australian artist
• David Mellor (born 1949), British former MP
• David Mellor (designer) (1930-2009)
• David Alan Mellor, curator and art historian
• Hugh Mellor (born 1938), English philosopher
• Janine Mellor (born 1980), English actress
• John Mellor (disambiguation), multiple people
• Karen Mellor (born 1963), winner of Miss United Kingdom
• Kay Mellor (born 1951), English actress
• Marq Mellor (born 1968), American field hockey player
• Neil Mellor (born 1982), English footballer
• Paul Mellor (born 1974), Australian rugby league player
• Stephen J. Mellor, American computer scientist
• Will Mellor (born 1976), British actor
• William Mellor (1888–1942), British journalist
• William C. Mellor (1903–1963), American cinematographer

See also

• Mellor Baronets
• Mellor Glacier

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