EnglandOf 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. [1]
However, one source notes that name may be "a genitive form of Ape or Appe; a personal name, ante [(before)]1066 [and in the] Domesday Book. " [2]
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, [3] a census taken in 1086 by King William of all land holders.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Absten research. Another 185 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1307, 1327, 1524, 1534, 1628, 1779, 1658, 1604 and 1787 are included under the topic Early Absten History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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.
More information is included under the topic Early Absten Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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.
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