Show ContentsOnslough History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Onslough is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is a product of when the family lived in the settlement of Onslow in the county of Shropshire. The surname Onslough belongs to the large category of Anglo-Saxon habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads.

Early Origins of the Onslough family

The surname Onslough was first found in Shropshire at Onslow, where the family went "as far back as the time of Richard I., and probably much earlier. The first recorded ancestor is John de Ondeslowe, whose grandson, Waring, was father of 'Roger de Ondelsowe, juxta Shresbury,' whose son Thomas was living in the twelve [year] of Edward II, 1318." 1

Early History of the Onslough family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Onslough research. Another 170 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1571, 1601, 1622, 1628, 1641, 1642, 1654, 1660, 1664, 1685, 1688, 1708, 1710, 1714, 1715, 1717, 1721 and 1801 are included under the topic Early Onslough History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Onslough Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Onslough has been spelled many different ways, including Onslow, Onsley and others.

Early Notables of the Onslough family

Notables of this surname at this time include: Sir Richard Onslow (1601-1664), an English politician who sat in the House of Commons between 1628 and 1664, he fought on the Parliamentary side during the English Civil War; and his second son, Sir Arthur Onslow, 1st Baronet (1622-1688), an English politician who...
Another 50 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Onslough Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Onslough family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Onsloughs to arrive in North America: Charles Onslow settled in New York State in 1728.



The Onslough 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: Festina lente
Motto Translation: Be quick without impetuosity.


  1. Shirley, Evelyn Philip, The Noble and Gentle Men of England; The Arms and Descents. Westminster: John Bower Nichols and Sons, 1866, Print.


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