Dekster History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The name Dekster is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name was taken on by someone who worked as a dyer or a maker of dyes.

Early Origins of the Dekster family

The surname Dekster was first found in Leicestershire where they held a family seat from ancient times, some say before the Norman Conquest in 1066. Dexter comes originally from the Saxon word "dighester" meaning "dyer."

Early History of the Dekster family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Dekster research. Another 98 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1262, 1280, 1610, 1638 and 1700 are included under the topic Early Dekster History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Dekster Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Dekster include Dexter, Dextere, Dyster, Dyer, Deckster, Deckstere, Dextar, Dextare, Dystar and many more.

Early Notables of the Dekster family

Another 46 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Dekster Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Dekster family to Ireland

Some of the Dekster 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.

Migration of the Dekster family

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: Francis Dexter, a youth of 13; who came on the ship the "Planter" in 1635. Even earlier, one Thomas Dexter immigrated to Lynn Massachusetts in 1630. The Dexters eventually made their homes in Virginia, Georgia, and as far west as San Francisco..