Show ContentsLongknife History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Longknife family

The surname Longknife was first found in Yorkshire where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name was first referenced with William Longespee (c. 1176-1226), illegitimate son of King Henry II, nickname "Longespée" or "Long Sword."

Early History of the Longknife family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Longknife research. Another 85 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1176, 1188, 1212, 1213, 1219, 1226, 1244, 1250, 1276, 1298, 1375, 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Longknife History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Longknife Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Longespee, Longspey, Longspy, Longknife, Lunbgspey and many more.

Early Notables of the Longknife family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was William Longespée, (c.1176-1226), illegitimate son of Henry II of England, 3rd Earl of Salisbury. He was an English noble, best remembered for his command of the English forces at the Battle of Damme, remaining loyal to King John. King Henry acknowledged him as his son and gave him the Honour of Appleby, Lincolnshire in 1188. During the reign of King John, he was then appointed High Sheriff of...
Another 75 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Longknife Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Longknife family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: the name represented in many forms and recorded from the mid 17th century in the great migration from Europe. Migrants settled in the eastern seaboard from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands..



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