Show ContentsIvester History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Ivester is an ancient Norman name that arrived in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name Ivester comes from the Norman given name Ivo, which contains the first element iv, which indicates that it is a reference to yew tree or one of its products such as the yew bow.

Early Origins of the Ivester family

The surname Ivester was first found in Lincolnshire 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 Ivester family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ivester research. Another 82 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1600 and 1662 are included under the topic Early Ivester History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ivester Spelling Variations

A multitude of spelling variations characterize Norman surnames. Many variations occurred because Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules. The introduction of Norman French to England also had a pronounced effect, as did the court languages of Latin and French. Therefore, one person was often referred to by several different spellings in a single lifetime. The various spellings include Ives, Ivys and others.

Early Notables of the Ivester family

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

Migration of the Ivester family

Many English families left England, to avoid the chaos of their homeland and migrated to the many British colonies abroad. Although the conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and some travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute, once in the colonies, many of the families prospered and made valuable contributions to the cultures of what would become the United States and Canada. Research into the origins of individual families in North America has revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Ivester or a variant listed above: Charles Ives settled in Barbados with his wife, children and servants in 1680; Richard Ives settled in Nevis in 1654; Miles Ives settled in Boston in 1630.


Contemporary Notables of the name Ivester (post 1700) +

  • Tom Ivester (1969-2006), American politician, Member of the Oklahoma Senate from the 26th district (2006-)
  • Douglas Ivester (b. 1947), American former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola Company


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