Family motto: Malo mori quam foedari
The Paine's family tree can be found by clicking here
The surname Paine has an interesting history and origin. It is believed to derive from the medieval English personal name Pagan, which itself comes from the Latin word paganus, meaning "rustic" or "countryman". Over time, the name also came to mean "heathen" and was often given to children whose baptism was delayed or to adults whose religious zeal was not up to the standards of the day.
The surname Paine is of Norman origin and was brought to England during the Norman Conquest. It was used for a person who lived in the country or whose religious beliefs were somewhat suspect. The name has several variants, including Payne, Pain, Payn, Pane, Payen, Payan, Panes, and Pagan.
The earliest records of the Paine family date back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where individuals with the name were listed in Somerset.
Early examples of people with the name include
- Edmund filius Pagen (Pagani) - Listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 in Somerset.
- Ralph Paganel (Radulfus Paganus) - Also listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 in Somerset.
- Reginaldus filius Pain - A Knights Templar listed in 1185 in Lincolnshire.
- John Pane - Listed in the Pipe Rolls of Worcestershire in 1190.
- Robert Pain - Listed in the Pipe Rolls of Hampshire in 1200.
- Payn de Weston - Listed in the Assize Rolls of Somerset in 1268.
- Sir John Paynell of Drax - Summoned to Parliament as a Baron from 1299 to 1318.
One of the most famous Paines was Thomas Paine (1737-1809), an influential English-born writer and political philosopher who played a pivotal role in both the American and French Revolutions. His pamphlet "Common Sense" (1776) was a powerful call for American independence from Britain, inspiring many colonists to support the revolutionary cause. Paine's other notable works include "The American Crisis" (1776-1783), which bolstered American morale during the Revolutionary War, and "Rights of Man" (1791), a defense of the French Revolution. Despite facing trials and tribulations, including a conviction for seditious libel in England, Paine's writings left a lasting legacy on the principles of democracy and human rights.
Coat of Arms: Gules a fesse between two lions passant argent.
Translation: Gules denotes Military Fortitude and Magnanimity. The lion is the symbol of Strength, Courage and Generosity.
Family Motto: Malo mori quam foedari Translation: I would rather die than be dishonoured (i.e., Death before Dishonour)
Origin: England
The best known Paine must be Tom Paine (1737-1809), son of Thetford staymaker, who became one of the leading polemicists of the American War of Independence, the author of “The Rights of Man” and “The Age of Reason” and, curiously enough, a leading advocate of iron bridges as a means of bettering human society.
Malo mori quam foedari