Ketson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The rich and ancient history of the Ketson family name dates back to the time of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It comes from Kit, a diminutive of the name Christopher. After the Norman Conquest of 1066, Old English personal names declined in popularity to be replaced by the new Christian names that they brought with them. One of these was Christopher.

Early Origins of the Ketson family

The surname Ketson was first found in Yorkshire where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Ketson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ketson research. Another 90 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1270, 1359, 1485, 1520, 1540, 1835, 1907 and 1911 are included under the topic Early Ketson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ketson 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 Ketson have been found, including Kitson, Kidson, Kydson, MacKett, MacCeit and others.

Early Notables of the Ketson family

Another 35 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Ketson Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Ketson family to Ireland

Some of the Ketson 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 Ketson 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 Ketson, or a variant listed above to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were : Marmaduke Kitson, who settled in Virginia in 1639; along Merma; Mary Kitson, who settled in Virginia in 1768; as well as George, James, Nathan and Thomas Kitson, who all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860..