Show ContentsLesslet History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Lesslet family

The surname Lesslet was first found in Worcestershire at Abberton, a parish in the union, and Upper division of the hundred, of Pershore. "Henry VIII. granted the whole of the manor or lordship to Thomas and Francis Sheldon, whose family continued to be owners of the parish, until it passed into the possession of the present proprietor, William Laslett, Esq. Abberton Hall, the manor-house, the seat of Mr. Laslett, is in the centre of the estate, on an eminence overlooking a park of nearly 500 acres of pasture; it stands on a level with the Malvern hills, and commands a mos beautiful panoramic view of the Malvern and Bredon hills, the Lench woods, and vale of Evesham." 1

Early History of the Lesslet family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lesslet research. Another 79 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1540 and 1586 are included under the topic Early Lesslet History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Lesslet 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 Lesslet have been found, including Leslett, Leslet, Lesslie, Lesslet, Leslitt and others.

Early Notables of the Lesslet family

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

Migration of the Lesslet 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. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Lesslet, or a variant listed above: Laslett, aged 26, who arrived at Ellis Island, in 1895; Edward Henry Laslett, aged 39, who arrived at Ellis Island, in 1902; Gertrude E. Laslett, aged 25, who arrived at Ellis Island from St. Mary ..., England, in 1907.



The Lesslet 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: Finem respice
Motto Translation: Consider the end.


  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


Houseofnames.com on Facebook