Show ContentsNashe History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Nashe family name dates back to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. The name comes from when an early member worked as a in one of the various settlements called Ash in Derbyshire, Surrey, Hampshire, and many other places. The surname Nashe is also derived from residence near an ash tree. [1] Another source claims that the name could have been derived from the Gaelic "naisg," which means "made fast, bound, protected" [2]

"It must not be forgotten, however, that there are localities called Nash, in cos. Salop, Bucks, Monmouth, &c. Yet some of these were originally called Ash. The ville of Esse or Ash, co. Oxford, was corrupted (changed) to Nashe, temp. Richard H. Dunkin's Oxfordshire i. 177." [1]

Early Origins of the Nashe family

The surname Nashe was first found in Worcestershire, where William atte Nasche was recorded in 1301. While most of the family hailed from Worcestershire, we also found Agnes ate Nasse in Oxfordshire in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273. The Writs of Parliament list William atte Nasche, c. 1300. Hugh atte Nash was the rector of Wexham in 1397 and R. Nasshe owned land in Haddenham in 1487. [3]

"Nash is an old Worcestershire name, the family of Nash of St. Peter's, Droitwich, dating back to the 16th century. Nash was the name of a Worcester alderman in 1590 and of the mayor of that city in 1633." [4]

Early History of the Nashe family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Nashe research. Another 83 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1377, 1379, 1380, 1381, 1383, 1394, 1395, 1400, 1590, 1593, 1626, 1640, 1647, 1648, 1661, 1730, 1740, 1742, 1777 and 1786 are included under the topic Early Nashe History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Nashe Spelling Variations

Nashe has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Nashe have been found, including Nash, Naish, Nashe and others.

Early Notables of the Nashe family

Notables of this surname at this time include: Richard Nash or Ash (died 1394/1395), of Hereford, was an English politician, Member of the Parliament for Hereford in 1377, 1379, 1380, 1381 and 1383; and his son, James Nash or Ash (died 1400), of Hereford, was an English politician; John Nash (1590-1661), an English merchant and politician who sat in the House of Commons between 1640 and 1648, supporter of the Parliamentary...
Another 70 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Nashe Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Nashe family to Ireland

Some of the Nashe family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 48 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Nashe family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Nashes to arrive on North American shores: Gregory Nash, who settled in Salem Massachusetts in 1630; Anne Nash settled in Virginia in 1635; along with Edward her husband; John, Margaret, Mary, Sarah Nash all settled in Virginia in 1663.



  1. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  2. Arthur, William , An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. London: 1857. Print
  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. Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.


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