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Show ContentsOsborne History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
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Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

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The Osborne surname itself is thought to be derived from an Old Norse personal name "Asbjorn" made up of "às," meaning "god" and "bjorn," or "bear." The name became Osbern in old English. Bearers of this name also came to Britain from Normandy, and over the centuries have become indistinguishable from those who predated the Norman invasion. "The name is found in England before the Conquest and may be of direct Scandinavian origin. It was also common in Normandy whence it was often brought over by Normans after the Conquest." 1

Osbern (fl. 1090), was an English "hagiographer, was a monk of Christchurch, Canterbury, where, as he tells us himself, he was brought up from boyhood during the rule of Godric, who was dean from about 1058 to 1080; he would seem to have been there before the burning of the cathedral in 1067." 2

Osbern or Osbert (d. 1103), was "Bishop of Exeter and Chancellor, the son of Osbern the Seneschal, who was guardian of Normandy for the future Conqueror. He was thus brother of William Fitzosbern, the Earl of Hereford, and a kinsman of Edward the Confessor. He came to England during the reign of Edward, and was one of the king's chaplains, and held land at Stratton, Cornwall, at the time of Edward's death (Domesday, iv. 216). As a royal chaplain he was present at the dedication of Westminster Abbey on 28 Dec. 1065, and after the conquest witnessed a charter to St. Martin's, London, in 1068, as 'Osbernus Capellanus' " 2

Early Origins of the Osborne family

The surname Osborne was first found in Kent where "this family descends from a Kentish branch of the family of Fitz-Osberne, seated in that county early in the reign of Henry VI., when Thomas Osberne appeared to a writ of Quo warranto for the Abbey of Dartford." 3 His grandfather was Richard Fitz-Osberne, or Fitz-Osbert who held a fief from Earl Bigot in 1165. Richard's father was Stephen Fitz-Osbert fl. 1152 was son of William Fitz-Osbert, son of Osberne Fitz-Letard who held lands from Odo of Bayeaux in 1086. 3

Many bearers of the name were descended from Sarum in Normandy. Confirming this ancient origin another source states the "name occurred in England before the Norman Conquest. It is confined south of a line joining the Humber and the Mersey, and its principal area of distribution takes the form of a belt crossing central England from East Anglia to the borders of Wales. 4

"Several persons bearing it occur in Domesday [Book], as tenants in chief in different counties;" 5 specifically the Osbern variant. 1

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 list: Gerard filius Oseberne in Huntingdonshire; and Robert Oseberne in Oxfordshire. 6 Osbernus filius Willelmi was recorded in the Curia Regis Rolls for the year 1221 in Buckinghamshire and Henry Osbern, in the Assize Rolls of Cambridgeshire in 1260. John Osebarn was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of Sussex in 1296 and Walter Hosebarn was found in the Feet of Fines of Cambridgeshire in 1327. 1

Early History of the Osborne family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Osborne research. Another 74 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1261, 1280, 1379, 1467, 1559, 1593, 1627, 1632, 1639, 1643, 1649, 1659, 1667, 1671, 1685, 1692, 1694, 1695, 1712, 1720, 1771 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Osborne History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Osborne Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Osborne, Osborn, Osbourne, Osbourn, Osburn, Osburne, Osbern and many more.

Early Notables of the Osborne family

Distinguished members of the family include

  • Francis Osborne (1593-1659), an English essayist
  • Dorothy Osborne, Lady Temple (1627-1695), a British writer of letters and wife of Sir William Temple, 1st Baronet
  • Sarah Osborne (Osbourne, Osburne, or Osborn) (c. 1643-1692) (nee Warren), one of the first three women to be accused of witchcraft in the Salem witch trials of 1692, she died in jail never indicted or...

Osborne World Ranking

In the United States, the name Osborne is the 407th most popular surname with an estimated 67,149 people with that name. 7 However, in Canada, the name Osborne is ranked the 642nd most popular surname with an estimated 8,108 people with that name. 8 And in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Osborne is the 471st popular surname with an estimated 100 people with that name. 9 Australia ranks Osborne as 265th with 12,848 people. 10 New Zealand ranks Osborne as 193rd with 2,891 people. 11 The United Kingdom ranks Osborne as 227th with 25,659 people. 12

Ireland Migration of the Osborne family to Ireland

Some of the Osborne family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 127 words (9 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

United States Osborne migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Osborne Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Lt. Thomas Osborne, who arrived in Virginia in 1619 aboard the ship "Bona Nova"
  • Ralph Osborne, aged 22, who arrived in Virginia in 1619 aboard the ship "Bona Nova" 13
  • Raph Osborne, who landed in Virginia in 1623 13
  • Jenkin Osborne, who landed in Virginia in 1623 13
  • Bridgett Osborne, who landed in Virginia in 1639 13
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Osborne Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Charles Osborne, who arrived in Virginia in 1702 13
  • Peter Osborne, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1711-1712 13
  • Nathaniel Osborne, who landed in South Carolina in 1712 13
  • Alice Osborne, who landed in Virginia in 1714 13
  • Edward Osborne, who arrived in Virginia in 1717 13
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Osborne Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Andrew Osborne, aged 24, who arrived in Maryland in 1812 13
  • Samuel Osborne, aged 51, who arrived in Virginia in 1812 13
  • Isabella Osborne, aged 1, who arrived in Mobile, Ala in 1820-1873 13
  • Mary Jane Osborne, aged 13, who landed in Mobile, Ala in 1820-1873 13
  • Matilda Osborne, aged 38, who arrived in Mobile, Ala in 1820-1873 13
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Osborne Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • George W Osborne, who landed in Colorado in 1901 13

Canada Osborne migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Osborne Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Mrs. Ann Osborne, aged 40 who immigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec aboard the ship "Emily" departing from the port of Emily, Cork but died on Grosse Isle in August 1847 14
  • Miss Catherine Osborne who was emigrating through Grosse Isle Quarantine Station, Quebec aboard the ship "Jessie" departing 18th April 1847 from Limerick, Ireland; the ship arrived on 26th June 1847 but she died on board 15
  • Mr. Edward Osborne who was emigrating through Grosse Isle Quarantine Station, Quebec aboard the ship "Charlotte" departing 2nd June 1847 from Plymouth, England; the ship arrived on 13th July 1847 but he died on board 15

Australia Osborne migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Osborne Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Abbott Osborne, British Convict who was convicted in Wiltshire, England for life, transported aboard the "Earl Cornwallis" in August 1800, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 16
  • John Osborne, English convict from Suffolk, who was transported aboard the "Ann" on August 1809, settling in New South Wales, Australia 17
  • Mr. Thomas Osborne, English convict who was convicted in Kent, England for life, transported aboard the "Fanny" on 25th August 1815, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 18
  • Mr. John Osborne, English convict who was convicted in Warwickshire, England for 14 years, transported aboard the "Fame" on 9th October 1816, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 19
  • Mr. Hugh Osborne, (Jackson), British Convict who was convicted in Chester Quarter Sessions for 7 years, transported aboard the "Batavia" in October 1817, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 20
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

New Zealand Osborne migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Osborne Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Joseph Osborne, aged 31, a stonemason, who arrived in Port Nicholson aboard the ship "Gertrude" in 1841 21
  • Elizabeth Osborne, aged 30, who arrived in Port Nicholson aboard the ship "Gertrude" in 1841 21
  • John Osborne, who arrived in Port Nicholson aboard the ship "Jane" in 1841 22
  • Mary Osborne, aged 21, a servant, who arrived in Port Nicholson aboard the ship "Slains Castle" in 1841
  • Miss Mary Osborne, (b. 1819), aged 21, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Slains Castle" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 25th January 1841 23
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Osborne (post 1700) +

  • Bobby Van Osborne (1931-2023), American bluegrass musician and co-founder of the Osborne Brothers and a member of the Grand Ole Opry, member of the United States Marine Corps who received a Purple Heart for his service
  • Sonny Osborne (1937-2021), American bluegrass musician and banjo player, one half of the Osborne Brothers musical duo, with his brother Bobby Osborne
  • Grant R. Osborne (1942-2018), American theologian and New Testament scholar
  • Robert Jolin Osborne (1932-2017), American actor, film historian, television presenter, and author, best known as the host for the cable channel Turner Classic Movies
  • F. Edward Osborne (1925-2014), American politician and businessman, Member of the Idaho House of Representatives in 1989
  • Sir Danvers Osborne (1715-1753), 3rd Baronet, English-born, American Colonial Governor of New York province (1753)
  • Marie "Baby Marie" Osborne (1911-2010), born Helen Alice Myers, the first major child star of American silent films
  • Lieutenant Weedon Edward Osborne (1892-1918), United States Navy officer and a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions in World War I
  • Barry M. Osborne (b. 1944), American movie producer, executive producer, production manager and director
  • Adam Osborne (1939-2003), American author, book and software publisher, and computer designer
  • ... (Another 88 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
HMS Cornwall
  • Cyril Edward Osborne (d. 1942), British Leading Stoker aboard the HMS Cornwall when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he died in the sinking 24
HMS Prince of Wales
  • Mr. O. Osborne, British Able Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 25
HMS Repulse
  • Mr. Bernard W Osborne, British Signal Boy 1st Class, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 26
  • Mr. Charles Kelynack Osborne (b. 1900), British Chief Petty Officer Supply, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and died in the sinking 26
  • Mr. Alfred J Osborne, British Petty Officer, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 26
HMS Royal Oak
  • Thomas George Osborne (1920-1939), British Stoker 2nd Class with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 27
Prince of Wales colliery
  • Mr. George Osborne (b. 1855), Welsh coal miner who was working at the Prince of Wales Colliery in Abercarn, Wales on the 11th September 1878 when there was a coal mine explosion; he died 28
  • Mr. Robert Osborne (b. 1857), Welsh coal miner who was working at the Prince of Wales Colliery in Abercarn, Wales on the 11th September 1878 when there was a coal mine explosion; he died 28
RMS Lusitania
  • Mr. J. Osborne, English Fireman from Liverpool, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 29
  • Mrs. Alexandra Mary Osborne, Canadian 1st Class Passenger from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and survived the sinking 30
USS Arizona
  • Mr. William D. Osborne Jr., American Seaman First Class working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he survived the sinking 31
  • Mr. Mervin Eugene Osborne, American Fireman First Class from Kentucky, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 31

The Osborne 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: Pax in bello
Motto Translation: Peace in war.
  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
  3. The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
  4. Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.
  5. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  6. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  7. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  8. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  9. The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
  10. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  11. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  12. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  13. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  14. Charbonneau, André, and Doris Drolet-Dubé. A Register of Deceased Persons at Sea and on Grosse Île in 1847. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, 1997. ISBN: 0-660-198/1-1997E (p. 51)
  15. Charbonneau, André, and Doris Drolet-Dubé. A Register of Deceased Persons at Sea and on Grosse Île in 1847. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, 1997. ISBN: 0-660-198/1-1997E (p. 92)
  16. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 13th August 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-cornwallis
  17. State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Ann voyage to New South Wales, Australia in 1809 with 200 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/ann/1809
  18. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 28th September 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/fairlie
  19. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 27th September 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/fairlie
  20. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 30th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/batavia
  21. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 12th December 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  22. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  23. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  24. Force Z Survivors Crew List HMS Cornwall (Retrieved 2018, February 13th) - Retrieved from https://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listcornwallcrew.html#A
  25. HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
  26. HMS Repulse Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listrepulsecrew.html
  27. Ships hit by U-boats crew list HMS Royal Oak (08) - (Retrieved 2018 February, 9th) - retrieved from https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/crews/ship68.html
  28. Entombed in flood and flame (retrieved 3rd August 2021). Retrieved from https://web.archive.org/web/20120603025705/http://www.crosskeys.me.uk/history/prince.htm
  29. Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 7) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
  30. Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 6) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
  31. Pearl Harbour: USS Arizona Casualties List Pearl Harbour December 7, 1941. (Retrieved 2018, July 31st). Retrieved from http://pearl-harbor.com/arizona/casualtylist.html
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