Poust History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Poust

What does the name Poust mean?

The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 brought many new words to England from which surnames were formed. Poust was one of these new Norman names. It was specifically tailored to its first bearer, who was a proud, haughty, or brave being derived from the Old French word prous.

Early Origins of the Poust family

The surname Poust was first found in Devon 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. However, some remained in Normandy as Drogon Prose was listed there in the Magni Rotuli Scaccarii Normanniae (1180-1195.) 1

Early History of the Poust family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Poust research. Another 153 words (11 lines of text) covering the year 1608 is included under the topic Early Poust History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Poust 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 Prouse, Prouze, Prowse, Prowze, Prouz, Prowes and others.

Early Notables of the Poust family

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

Poust migration to the United States +

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 Poust or a variant listed above:

Poust Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Julien Poust, aged 49, who settled in America, in 1921
Michael Poust, aged 26, who immigrated to the United States, in 1923
W. Poust, aged 20, who landed in America, in 1923

Contemporary Notables of the name Poust (post 1700) +

Tracy Poust, American five-time Primetime Emmy nominated producer and writer

Sources +

The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)