Gentles History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Early Origins of the Gentles family

The surname Gentles was first found in Hampshire, where they held a family seat since the Norman invasion of 1066. The name Gentles comes from the Old French word "gent," meaning "well-born" or "noble." 1 2

It could be a literal name, referring to someone who actually was well-born, or it may have been an ironic nickname, for someone who put on airs of aristocracy.

One of the oldest records of the family was found in Winmarleigh, a township in Lancashire with one of the older spellings used by the family. "In the reign of Henry III. lived a Gregory de Winnerlie or de Wimerlegh. In the 17th of Edward III., [(17th year of Edward III's reign)]Robert de Plesyngton received a fine from Thomas le Gentyll and his wife and son, for a moiety of the manor of Wynmerles." 3

Other early record of the family were found in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273: William le Gentil in Yorkshire and Robert le Gentill, or Gentyl in Wiltshire. 1 John le Gentyl, was listed in Somerset during the first year of Edward III's reign 4 and in the 4th year of Edward II's reign William le Gentil was listed on the Patent Roll. The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 list: Agnes Gentildoghter and Johannes Gentill. 1

Early History of the Gentles family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gentles research. Another 35 words (2 lines of text) covering the years 1202 and 1242 are included under the topic Early Gentles History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gentles Spelling Variations

Endless spelling variations are a prevailing characteristic of Norman surnames. Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules, and the introduction of Norman French added an unfamiliar ingredient to the English linguistic stew. French and Latin, the languages of the court, also influenced spellings. Finally, Medieval scribes generally spelled words according to how they sounded, so one person was often referred to by different spellings in different documents. The name has been spelled Gentle, Gentles, Gentile, Jentle, Gentry and others.

Early Notables of the Gentles family

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

Gentles migration to Australia +

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

Gentles Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Elizabeth Gentles, aged 18, a domestic servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1860 aboard the ship "Grand Trianon"

Historic Events for the Gentles family +

HMAS Sydney II

Mr. Harry Spencer Gentles (1900-1941), Australian Chief Stoker from Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 5

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)
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.
HMAS Sydney II, Finding Sydney Foundation - Roll of Honour. (Retrieved 2014, April 24) . Retrieved from http://www.findingsydney.com/roll.asp