Kempster History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  England 


The name Kempster is rooted in the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It was originally a name for someone who worked as a 'kembster,' a wool-comber. 1 Traditionally a female occupation, early rolls note "Agnes," and "Alice" as in Alice le Kembester in Cheshire 1302-1303. 2 One source notes the name could have originated in Kempston in either Bedfordshire or Norfolk. 3

Early Origins of the Kempster family

The surname Kempster was first found in Huntingdonshire where Agnes Kembestere was recorded in 1252. Later in Oxfordshire, Dionisia le Kemstere was listed at Oseney in 1317 and later again, Agnes Kempster was listed in the Subsidy Rolls for Cambridgeshire in 1327. 4

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 had only one entry for the family, that of Peter Cambestre in Cambridgeshire. In Yorkshire, the Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 included: Agnes Kembester; Johanna Saper, kemster; and Robertus Kembster. 1

Early History of the Kempster family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kempster research. Another 95 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1379, 1627, 1684, 1715, 1747, 1791 and 1806 are included under the topic Early Kempster History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kempster 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 Kempster 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 Kempster include Kemper, Kempster, Kemster and others.

Early Notables of the Kempster family

More information is included under the topic Early Kempster Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Kempster migration to the United States +

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 Kempster or a variant listed above:

Kempster Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Kempster Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Kempster Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Kempster migration to Australia +

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

Kempster Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Kempster 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:

Kempster Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Kempster (post 1700) +
Fastest Delivery Possible

Digital Products on Checkout, all other products filled in 1 business day

Money Back Guarantee

Yes, all products 100% Guraranteed

BBB A+ Rating

The Best Rating possible

Secure Online Payment

Entire site uses SSL / Secure Certificate