Best History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  Netherlands 
  England 
  France 
  Ireland 
  Scotland 


Best is a name of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was a name given to a strong or resourceful man. The surname Best is derived from the Old English Old French word beste, and ultimately comes from the Latin word bestia, which means beast. 1 2 3 The surname Best may also be a metonym referring to some one who was employed as a herdsman.

However, two sources claim the name is more probably of Norman stock, having been derived been an abbreviation of the name Bessett. 4 5

Early Origins of the Best family

The surname Best was first found in Somerset, where William Best was listed in the Assize Rolls for 1201. Years later, Wilkin le Best was listed in the Assize Rolls for Cheshire in 1260 and later again, John Besteman was found in the Subsidy Rolls for Essex in 1327. 6

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 proved the widespread use of the name: Richard le Beste in Cambridgeshire; William Best in Buckinghamshire and Walter Best in Oxfordshire. Thomas Best and Agnes Best were both listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379. Robert Beast or Best was Sheriff of Norwich in 1495. 3

In Ireland, "the Irish Bests came from Kent, England and settling in Leinster in the seventeenth century became prominent in Carlow and adjacent counties." 4

In Scotland, "a booth was leased to John Best in Edinburgh, 1457. John Best was a skinner in Edinburgh, 1603 - the only one of the name in this record. Thomas Best was admitted burgess of Aberdeen, 1618 and Agnes Best is recorded in Jedburgh Forest, 1684." 7

Early History of the Best family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Best research. Another 92 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1495, 1570, 1572, 1576, 1577, 1578, 1583, 1584, 1590, 1596, 1598, 1602, 1609, 1638, 1640, 1652, 1657, 1659, 1687, 1709, 1740, 1826, 1840, 1847, 1856, 1871, 1890, 1946 and 1959 are included under the topic Early Best History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Best Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Best were recorded, including Best, Beast, Beste, Bestman and others.

Early Notables of the Best family

Notables of this surname at this time include:

Best World Ranking

In the United States, the name Best is the 737th most popular surname with an estimated 39,792 people with that name. 9 However, in Canada, the name Best is ranked the 687th most popular surname with an estimated 7,604 people with that name. 10 And in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Best is the 131st popular surname with an estimated 282 people with that name. 11 Australia ranks Best as 612nd with 6,388 people. 12 New Zealand ranks Best as 634th with 1,125 people. 13 The United Kingdom ranks Best as 557th with 11,675 people. 14

Migration of the Best family to Ireland

Some of the Best family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 540 words (39 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Best migration to the United States +

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Best family emigrate to North America:

Best Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Best Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Best Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Best Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Best migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Best Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
Best Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Best migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Best Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century
Best Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Best migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Best Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Best migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 23
Best Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Best (post 1700) +


The Best 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: Libertas in legibus
Motto Translation: Liberty in the law.


Suggested Readings for the name Best +
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