Eastwod History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland
Scotland

The history of the Eastwod family goes back to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. It is derived from the family living to the east of a wood, or perhaps in an eastern wood. It may also be derived from one of several possible villages named Eastwood. There is an Eastwood in Yorkshire, and there may have been one in Essex as well. 1 Further research revealed that the name is derived from the Old English words east (east) and wudu (wood), which continue to have the same meaning in Modern English.

Early Origins of the Eastwod family

The surname Eastwod was first found in Cambridgeshire where Adam de Estwde is first recorded in 1221. 2 A few years later, the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 would provide clues to the widespread use of the name at that time: Jacob de Estwode, Suffolk; Walter de Estwode, Bedfordshire; and John de Estwode, Kent. Later the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 included entries for: Rogerus de Estwode; Johannes de Estwode; and Johannes de Estwode, et Sibota uxor ejus. 1

Further north in Scotland, the name is derived from "the old barony of the same name in Renfrewshire. Gilisius (Giles) de Estwode, a vassal of the Stewards, witnessed a charter by James the Steward of Scotland in 1294. In 1296, Giles or Gyles del Estwode of the county of Lanark rendered homage for his lands [to King Edward I of England]. The seal attached to his homage bears an acorn and leaves and S' Giliscie de Heesthwit. About 1313, de Estwod witnessed the grant by the High Steward of the church of Largyss to the monks of Paisley." 3

Early History of the Eastwod family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Eastwod research. Another 100 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1221, 1279, 1339, 1658, 1824, 1846, 1847, 1849, 1862 and 1864 are included under the topic Early Eastwod History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Eastwod Spelling Variations

Until quite recently, the English language has lacked a definite system of spelling rules. Consequently, Anglo-Saxon surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. Changes in Anglo-Saxon names were influenced by the evolution of the English language, as it incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other languages. Although Medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, so it is common to find one person referred to by several different spellings of his surname, even the most literate people varied the spelling of their own names. Variations of the name Eastwod include Eastwood, Eastwoods, Estwoud, Estwude, Eastwude and many more.

Early Notables of the Eastwod family

Notables of this surname at this time include: Johathan Eastwood (1824-1864), topographer, was born in 1824. He studied at St. John's College, Cambridge, where, after obtaining both classical and mathematical honours, he took the two degrees in arts in 1846 and 1849 respectively. He entered holy orders in 1847, and was appointed curate of Ecclesfield, Yorkshire. He devoted his leisure to the study of local history and antiquity...
Another 68 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Eastwod Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Eastwod family to Ireland

Some of the Eastwod family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 34 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Eastwod family

Searching for a better life, many English families migrated to British colonies. Unfortunately, the majority of them traveled under extremely harsh conditions: overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the ocean. For those families that arrived safely, modest prosperity was attainable, and many went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the new colonies. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Eastwod or a variant listed above: Richard Eastwood who purchased land in Virginia in 1642; Sarah Eastwood settled in South Carolina in 1774; Abraham, Daniel, David, Thomas, Walter and William Eastwood all settled in Pennsylvania in the mid-1800's..

The Eastwod 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: Oriens sylva
Motto Translation: Rising from the wood.

Citations +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)