Molland

The surname Molland has its origins in England and can be traced back to the early medieval period, around the 11th century. It is believed to be a locational surname, derived from one of several places called "Molland" in the English counties of Devon and Somerset. These place names are thought to have originated from the Old English words "mol" meaning "sandy hill" and "land" meaning "land" or "estate."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Molland appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, an invaluable record of landholdings and property ownership in England commissioned by William the Conqueror. The entry mentions a place called "Mollanda" in Devon, which is likely the source of the surname.

In the 13th century, historical records show the name being spelled in various forms such as "Mollonde," "Mollande," and "Molaund." These variations reflect the variations in spelling and pronunciation that were common during that time.

One notable bearer of the Molland surname was John Molland, a English clergyman who lived in the late 14th century and served as the Bishop of Chichester from 1368 to 1381. He played a role in the ongoing conflicts between the Church and the Crown during the reign of Edward III.

Another individual of note was Sir Thomas Molland, who was born in Somerset in the early 15th century (around 1420) and served as a member of the English Parliament representing the county of Somerset in the 1470s.

In the 16th century, a man named William Molland (born around 1525) was recorded as a landowner and yeoman farmer in the village of Molland in Devon. This further reinforces the connection between the surname and the geographic locations it originated from.

Moving into the 17th century, there are records of a family named Molland residing in the village of Molland in Devon. One member of this family, Richard Molland (1630-1688), was a prominent local figure who served as the parish's church warden.

The 18th century saw the Molland name spread to other parts of England, with records showing bearers of the surname in counties such as Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.

Throughout its history, the Molland surname has maintained a strong presence in the English counties of Devon and Somerset, where it originated. While not a particularly widespread name, it has endured and continues to be carried by families with deep roots in these regions.