where does the last name fleming originate from
Clan Fleming The surname Fleming is derived from the French, le Fleming, which indicates that the family originated in Flanders.[3] The once powerful medieval principality of Flanders is now split between Belgium, the Netherlands and France.[3] During the latter part of the twelfth century the Flemish were enterprising merchants who traded with England, Scotland and Wales.[3] A distinguished Flemish leader named Baldwin settled with his followers in Biggar, South Lanarkshire under a grant of David I of Scotland.[3] Baldwin became Sheriff of Lanark under Malcolm IV of Scotland and William the Lion and this office appears to have been hereditary for some time.[3]