Show ContentsStayrne History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The history of the name Stayrne begins in the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes in Britain. It was a name for a stern person. The surname Stayrne is derived from the Old English word styrne, which means severe, strict, uncompromising, and austere.

Early Origins of the Stayrne family

The surname Stayrne 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 Stayrne family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Stayrne 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 Stayrne History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Stayrne Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Stayrne are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Stayrne include: Sterne, Stern, Stearn, Stearns and others.

Early Notables of the Stayrne 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 Stayrne Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Stayrne family to Ireland

Some of the Stayrne 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 Stayrne family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Stayrne or a variant listed above: 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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