Show ContentsAsketill History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The rich and ancient history of the Asketill family name dates back to the time of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It comes from the given name Asketillus, which is composed of the elements óss or áss which means god and ketill, which means kettle or sacrificial cauldron in the Old Norse. This name predates the Norman Conquest in 1066, and would have been given to one who oversaw the sacrificial rites of pre-Christian England. The surname, then, signifies "the son or descendant of Asketill". 1

Early Origins of the Asketill family

The surname Asketill was first found in Norfolk, where the family held a family seat.

Early History of the Asketill family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Asketill research. Another 118 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1101, 1125, 1200, 1205, 1273, 1361, 1391, 1622, 1649, 1660, 1683, 1686, 1690 and 1785 are included under the topic Early Asketill History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Asketill Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Asketill have been found, including Axtell, Axstell, Axtel, Axstel, Axtill, Axstill, Axtil, Axstil, Axell, Axill, Akstell, Akstill, Ashkettle, Askettle, Asketell, Asketel, Asketill, Asketil and many more.

Early Notables of the Asketill family

Notables of this surname at this time include: Simon Asketel, the rector of Boyton, Norfolk in 1361; Roger Asketil, the rector of Randworth, Norfolk in 1391; and Colonel...
Another 28 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Asketill Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Asketill family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Among the first immigrants of the name Asketill, or a variant listed above to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were : Tho Axstell, age 35; who settled in Virginia in 1635; Nathaniel Axtell, who arrived in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1639; Henry Axtell, who arrived in Massachusetts in 1660.



  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)


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