Show ContentsCastellan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Castellan is one of the names that was brought to England in the wave of migration following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Castellan family lived in Yorkshire. The family was originally from Chastelai, Normandy, and the name Castellan is derived from this place-name.

Early Origins of the Castellan family

The surname Castellan was first found in Yorkshire where they held a family seat from very early times and were granted lands by Duke William of Normandy, their liege Lord, for their distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Castellan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Castellan research. Another 70 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1532, 1550 and 1700 are included under the topic Early Castellan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Castellan Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, Norman French and other languages became incorporated into English throughout the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Castellan include Casserly, Casserley, Casserlay, Castlelaw, Casserlaw, Casterline, Chastelyn, Casteldein and many more.

Early Notables of the Castellan family

More information is included under the topic Early Castellan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Castellan Ranking

In France, the name Castellan is the 8,058th most popular surname with an estimated 1,000 - 1,500 people with that name. 1

Migration of the Castellan family

In England at this time, the uncertainty of the political and religious environment of the time caused many families to board ships for distant British colonies in the hopes of finding land and opportunity, and escaping persecution. The voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, though, and many arrived in North America sick, starved, and destitute. Those who did make it, however, were greeted with greater opportunities and freedoms that they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make important contributions to the young nations in which they settled. Early immigration records have shown some of the first Castellans to arrive on North American shores: Patrick Casserly who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1850; as did John Casserley.



The Castellan Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Malo mori quam fodari
Motto Translation: I would rather die than be disgraced.


  1. http://www.journaldesfemmes.com/nom-de-famille/nom/


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