Show ContentsEastment History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Eastment comes from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. It was a name for a person who was of grace or favorable protection. The surname Eastment originally derived from the Old English word Eastmund which referred to grace. [1]

The surname Eastment belongs to a broad and miscellaneous class of surnames. Nickname surnames referred to a characteristic of the first person who used the name. They can describe the bearer's favored style of clothing, appearance, habits, or character. Often nicknames described strong traits or attributes that people wished to emulate in a specific animal.

Early Origins of the Eastment family

The surname Eastment was first found in the Domesday Book of 1086 where Estmunt was listed in Suffolk. [2] Over a century later, Ricardus filius Estmund was listed in the Pipe Rills for Essex in 1195, and later again, Esmond (surname only) was listed 1313-14. Stephen Estmund was listed in the Assize Rolls of Berkshire in 1227 and Geoffrey Astmund was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of Worcester in 1275. John Eastmunde was listed in the Assize Rolls of Somerset in 1277 and Alan Esmund was listed in the Feet of Fines for Essex in 1285. [1]

Many of the family were found in Cambridgeshire where the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 list: Geoffrey Estmund; Cecil Estmond; Hugh Estmund; and John Estmond as all holding lands there at that time. [3]

In Somerset, John Estmond was listed 1 Edward III (during the first year of the reign of King Edward III.) [4]

To the far south in Dorset the Eastmond spelling was more prevalent. This entry of the plight of one Catholic family is interesting: "Of this family I can glean nothing whatever, except from Rymer's 'Foedera,' tom, xviii. p. 392, where we learn the complaint of the House of Commons to King Charles, that in the house of Mary Eastmond, in Dorsetshire, had been discovered, by two justices of the peace, divers copes, altars, chalices, &c., who thereupon tendered to her the oath of allegiance and supremacy, and upon her refusing it, committed her to the constable, from whose custody she made her escape; yet that Secretary Lord Conway had written to those justices in her favour." [5]

Early History of the Eastment family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Eastment research. Another 105 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1285, 1303, 1570 and 1646 are included under the topic Early Eastment History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Eastment Spelling Variations

Only recently has spelling become standardized in the English language. As the English language evolved in the Middle Ages, the spelling of names changed also. The name Eastment has undergone many spelling variations, including Eastman, Eastmunt, Esmund, Estman, Yeastman, Eestman, Eastmun, Eastmen, Eastmin and many more.

Early Notables of the Eastment family

Another 26 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Eastment Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Eastment family to Ireland

Some of the Eastment family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 73 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Australia Eastment migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Eastment Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • John Eastment, aged 12, who arrived in South Australia in 1853 aboard the ship "Shackamaxon" [6]
  • Mary Eastment, aged 10, who arrived in South Australia in 1853 aboard the ship "Shackamaxon" [6]
  • Edward Eastment, aged 15, who arrived in South Australia in 1853 aboard the ship "Shackamaxon" [6]


  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  3. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  4. Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.
  5. Oliver, George, Collections Illustrating the History of the Catholic Religion in the Counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wilts, and Gloucester London: Charles Dolman, 61, New Bond Street, 1857. Print
  6. South Australian Register Thursday 20 January 1853. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) SHACKAMAXON 1853. Retrieved http://www.theshipslist.com/ships/australia/shackamaxon1853.shtml


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