Of all the
Anglo-Saxon names to come from Britain, Absten is one of the most ancient. The name is a result of the original family having lived near one or more notable
aspen trees. The surname Absten is derived from the Old English word
æpse, which means
aspen. The surname may also be a
nickname in jest, for a timid person, referring to the trembling leaves of the tree.
Early Origins of the Absten family
The surname Absten was first found in the county of Middlesex in southern
England where they held a
family seat from very ancient times. During the
Norman Conquest of
England in 1066, unlike many Saxon families, bearers of this name managed to hold onto much of their holdings and these are recorded in the
Domesday Book,
[1]CITATION[CLOSE]
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8) a census taken in 1086 by King William of all land holders.
Early History of the Absten family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Absten research.
Another 302 words (22 lines of text) covering the year 1307 is included under the topic Early Absten History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Absten 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. Absten has been spelled many different ways, including Apps, Apse, Abbs, Abb, App, Apsey, Epps, Ebbs, Epsey, Epp and many more.
Early Notables of the Absten family (pre 1700)
More information is included under the topic Early Absten Notables in all our
PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Absten family to the New World and Oceana
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 Abstens to arrive in North America: Francis Eppes, who was on record in Virginia in 1625 with his three sons; Edward Abbs, who settled in Virginia in 1635; Edmond Apps who settled in Virginia in 1650.
The Absten 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: In Te Domine Speravi
Motto Translation: In thee, O Lord, I have placed my hope.