Show ContentsAdsett History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The origins of the Adsett name lie with England's ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It comes from when the family lived in an elevated region such as the head of a valley or stream.

Early Origins of the Adsett family

The surname Adsett was first found in Cheshire where they held a family seat. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name was first referenced in the 14th century when they were traced predominantly to the Prestbury area of the shire.

Early History of the Adsett family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Adsett research. Another 120 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1455, 1487, 1558, 1560, 1570 and 1612 are included under the topic Early Adsett History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Adsett Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Adsett were recorded, including Adshead, Adsett, Atshead, Attshead, Adshed and others.

Early Notables of the Adsett family

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


Canada Adsett migration to Canada +

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Adsett family emigrate to North America:

Adsett Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Thomas Adsett, who arrived in Canada in 1832

New Zealand Adsett 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:

Adsett Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Henry Adsett, aged 33, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Salisbury" in 1874
  • Ellen Adsett, aged 32, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Salisbury" in 1874
  • Beatrice E. Adsett, aged 10, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Salisbury" in 1874
  • George Adsett, aged 8, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Salisbury" in 1874
  • Albert Adsett, aged 5, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Salisbury" in 1874
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Adsett (post 1700) +

  • Neil Adsett, the current Tonga Attorney General (2012-)


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