The name ‘Payne’ is of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word ‘Pain(e)’, ‘Payn(e)’ from the Latin name ‘Paganus’ a derivative of ‘pagus’ meaning outlying village, and meant at first a rustic then a civilian as opposed to a soldier, and finally a heathen (one enrolled in the family of Christ). In spite of its Christian associations this was a popular name in the early Middle Ages. Compiled information from Historical and Private archive’s has confirmed that the surname ‘Payne’ and or it’s variant’s, dates as far back as the 13th century were a ‘Katerina Paynel’, from the County of Oxfordshire, England, is recorded on the Hundred Rolls in 1273. The exact period of settlement in North America has not been definately determined but Information extracted from Public and Civil registry archive’s confirm that one of the first settlers was a certain ‘ Thomas Payne’, who was a freeman of the Plymouth Colony in 1639, was the founder of a large American family, which included ‘Robert Treat Payne’ (1731-1814), who was one of the signatories…
Coat of arms: Or, on a chief …