Show ContentsStanrs History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Stanrs is rooted in the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It was a name for someone who was a stern person. The surname Stanrs is derived from the Old English word styrne, which means severe, strict, uncompromising, and austere.

Early Origins of the Stanrs family

The surname Stanrs was first found in Buckinghamshire where they held a family seat as Lords of the manor of Grendon from early times.

Early History of the Stanrs family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Stanrs research. Another 57 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1592, 1596, 1607, 1624, 1642, 1660, 1664, 1669, 1683, 1700, 1713, 1745, 1759 and 1768 are included under the topic Early Stanrs History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Stanrs Spelling Variations

Stanrs has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Stanrs have been found, including Sterne, Stern, Stearn, Stearns and others.

Early Notables of the Stanrs family

Notables of the family at this time include John Sterne, Bishop of Colchester in 1592 and held the post until his death in 1607; and Richard Sterne (c. 1596-1683), English Church of England priest, Bishop of Carlisle in 1660, Archbishop of York from 1664 to 1683. He was the alleged author of the 'Whole Duty of Man.' 1 "On the outbreak of the civil war, Sterne zealously adopted the royalist cause, and in August 1642 he arranged for the despatch of large quantities of college plate to the king. Cromwell, however, who, as one of the burgesses of Cambridge, was engaged...
Another 146 words (10 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Stanrs Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Stanrs family to Ireland

Some of the Stanrs family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 173 words (12 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 Stanrs family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Stanrss to arrive on North American shores: Abigail and Mary Stearns settled in Salem, Massachusetts in 1630; Isaac Stearns, his wife Mary, his son and four daughters settled in Massachusetts in 1630.



  1. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


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