Masterstone History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The origins of the Masterstone surname date from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name originated with an early member who was a son of a substantial landholder who employed laborers to work his lands. The surname Masterstone is derived from the Old English word maister. This word comes from the Old French word maistre, which in turn is derived from the Latin word magister, which means master. The surname Masterstone also features the common patronymic suffix -son, which was most popular in the north of England and superseded other patronymic suffixes during the 14th century.

Early Origins of the Masterstone family

The surname Masterstone was first found in Cheshire where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Masterstone family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Masterstone research. Another 62 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Masterstone History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Masterstone Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries; therefore, spelling variations are common among early Anglo-Saxon names. As the form of the English language changed, even the spelling of literate people's names evolved. Masterstone has been recorded under many different variations, including Masterson, Mesterson, Masterstone and others.

Early Notables of the Masterstone family

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

Migration of the Masterstone family to Ireland

Some of the Masterstone family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 53 words (4 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 Masterstone family

For many English families, the political and religious disarray that shrouded England made the far away New World an attractive prospect. On cramped disease-ridden ships, thousands migrated to those British colonies that would eventually become Canada and the United States. Those hardy settlers that survived the journey often went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations in which they landed. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Masterstone or a variant listed above: Mary Masterson and her husband settled in Plymouth in 1629; Mary, Nathaniel, Richard, Sarah Masterson settled in Plymouth 1629; Bridget, Hannah and James Masterson settled in Boston in 1849.

The Masterstone 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: Pro Deo et rege
Motto Translation: For God and the king.