Show ContentsCostine History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The present generation of the Costine family is only the most recent to bear a name that dates back to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name comes from having lived near a notable chestnut tree. The surname is derived from Anglo-French casteyn, which means chestnut. As such, Costine is a member of the topographic class of surnames, which were given to people who resided near noticeable physical features such as hills, streams, churches, or types of tree. However, Costine may also belong to the category of habitation surnames which were derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads. In this case, the surname Costine is derived from the parish of Caston which lies near Watton in the county of Norfolk.

Early Origins of the Costine family

The surname Costine was first found in Norfolk, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Costine family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Costine research. Another 218 words (16 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1200, 1273, 1327, 1349, 1369, 1415, 1500, 1604, 1790 and 1796 are included under the topic Early Costine History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Costine Spelling Variations

Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Costine include Caston, Catestune, Casteyn, Cateston, Coston, Caustun, Castine, Castin, Castoun and many more.

Early Notables of the Costine family

Another 39 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Costine Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Costine family

Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Costine were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: Mary Caston who arrived in America in 1764.


Contemporary Notables of the name Costine (post 1700) +

  • Michael Rob Costine, American producer, known for his work on Snipped (2012) and Love at First Sight (2010)
  • Chris Costine, American producer, known for his work on Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business (2010-2011)
  • Dustan Costine, American actor, known for his work on The Campaign (2012), Meeting Evil (2012) and G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013)
  • William J. Costine, American politician, Mayor of Woodburn, Oregon, 1983-85 [1]
  • Marie Costine, Irish former camogie player, winner of All Ireland medals in 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1978


  1. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2016, January 12) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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