Show ContentsSaterly History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Of all the Anglo-Saxon names to come from Britain, Saterly is one of the most ancient. The name is a result of the original family having lived in the ancient chapelry of Satterthwaite found near Hawkeshead in Lancashire. This surname was originally derived from the Old English elements soetr meaning shield and pveit meaning pasture. [1]

Early Origins of the Saterly family

The surname Saterly was first found in Cumbria at Satterthwaite, a chapelry, in the parish of Hawkshead, union of Ulverston, hundred of Lonsdale in Lancashire. [2] The village dates back to at least 1336 when it was listed as Sterthwayt. [1]

"Small and secluded as is the spot, it has originated a surname that has spread far and wide. It seems to have reached London about the 16th century." [3]

The Lancashire Wills at Richmond included the the following entries: Robert Saterthwaite, of Coutehouse in Hawkshead, 1596; William Satewhait, of Saterthwaite, 1604; and George Satenwhat, of Hauxhead, 1613. [3]

Early History of the Saterly family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Saterly research. Another 99 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1642, 1649, 1668, 1685, 1720, 1728, 1790, 1847, 1897 and 1978 are included under the topic Early Saterly History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Saterly 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. Saterly has been spelled many different ways, including Satterthwaite, Satherthwaite, Satterthwater and many more.

Early Notables of the Saterly family

Notables of the family at this time include Thomas Satterthwaite (1720-1790) a prominent Quaker in Lancaster, Lancashire who was involved in the slave trade. He was the son of Thomas Satterthwaite (1685-1728) and Mary Ledger. His brother, Benjamin Satterthwaite became a factor or agent for a group of Lancaster slave traders, first in Barbados and then in...
Another 56 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Saterly Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Saterly 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 Saterlys to arrive in North America: James Satterthwaite settled in New Jersey in 1678.



  1. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
  2. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  3. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)


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