Show ContentsMonkton History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Monkton arrived in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Monkton family lived in Yorkshire at Monckton, from whence their name derives.

Early Origins of the Monkton family

The surname Monkton was first found in Yorkshire in the West Riding where they were anciently Lords of the Manor of Moor Monckton. At the time of the taking of the Domesday Book survey in 1086 initiated by Duke William of Normandy after his conquest of England in 1066, Moor Monckton was held by Richard son of Erfast, but the records of Monkton have been lost. The family derive their origin from Simon Monckton, who conjecturally was descended from Richard, the holder of the lands at the Domesday Survey. His lordship and manse was enjoyed by his descendants until 1326 when it was made into a nunnery and renamed Nun-Monkton, a curious play on words. The parish of Newbald in the East Riding of Yorkshire is of particular significance to the family at this time. "The Monckton family, ancestors of Viscount Galway, who is lord of the manor of South Newbald, were formerly seated here." 1

Early History of the Monkton family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Monkton research. Another 51 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1659, 1665, 1675, 1695, 1722 and 1751 are included under the topic Early Monkton History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Monkton Spelling Variations

Anglo-Norman names are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. When the Normans became the ruling people of England in the 11th century, they introduced a new language into a society where the main languages of Old and later Middle English had no definite spelling rules. These languages were more often spoken than written, so they blended freely with one another. Contributing to this mixing of tongues was the fact that medieval scribes spelled words according to sound, ensuring that a person's name would appear differently in nearly every document in which it was recorded. The name has been spelled Monkton, Monckton, Moncktone, Monktone, Mongton, Mongdene and many more.

Early Notables of the Monkton family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Sir Philip Monckton, Lord of the manors of Cavil, near Howden, and Hodroyd, near Barnsley, Yorkshire; and his son, Robert Monckton (c.1659-1722), an...
Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Monkton Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Monkton family to Ireland

Some of the Monkton family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Monkton migration to the United States +

For many English families, the political and religious disarray that plagued their homeland made the frontiers of the New World an attractive prospect. Thousands migrated, aboard cramped disease-ridden ships. They arrived sick, poor, and hungry, but were welcomed in many cases with far greater opportunity than at home in England. Many of these hardy settlers went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations in which they landed. Among early immigrants bearing the name Monkton or a variant listed above were:

Monkton Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • William Monkton who landed in North America in 1750

Australia Monkton migration to Australia +

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

Monkton Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • John Monkton, aged 32, a labourer, who arrived in South Australia in 1859 aboard the ship "Escort"

New Zealand Monkton migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Monkton Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Charles Henry Monkton, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Jura" in 1861 2

Contemporary Notables of the name Monkton (post 1700) +

  • Rear-Admiral John Monkton (1754-1826), British Royal Navy officer, known for his service in the French Revolutionary Wars


The Monkton Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Famam extendere factis
Motto Translation: To extent fame by deeds.


  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  2. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html


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