Show ContentsAscroft History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Ascroft

What does the name Ascroft mean?

The present generation of the Ascroft family is only the most recent to bear a name that dates back to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name comes from having lived in Norfolk. Ashcroft means the dweller in the croft where the ash trees grow. 1

Early Origins of the Ascroft family

The surname Ascroft was first found in Norfolk where one of the first records of the name was Margaret de Asecroft who was listed in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1275 in this county. 1 Richard Ashcroft was also listed in Norfolk in the Feet of Fines. 2

Early History of the Ascroft family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ascroft research. Another 75 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1592 and 1602 are included under the topic Early Ascroft History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ascroft Spelling Variations

Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Ascroft include Ashecroft, Ashecroft, Ashcroft, Ashcrofte, Ascroft, Ascrofte, Ashcraft and many more.

Early Notables of the Ascroft family

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


Ascroft migration to the United States +

Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Ascroft were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records:

Ascroft Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Henry Ascroft, who settled in Virginia in 1699

Ascroft migration to Australia +

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

Ascroft Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. James Ascroft who was convicted in Liverpool, Merseyside, England for 15 years, transported aboard the "Clara" on 19th March 1857, arriving in Western Australia, Australia 3

Contemporary Notables of the name Ascroft (post 1700) +

  • William Ascroft (1832-1914), English artist best known for his color sketches of sunsets over Chelsea
  • Eileen Ascroft (d. 1962), English journalist and writer
  • Robert Ascroft JP, MP (1847-1899), English solicitor and politician, Member of Parliament for Oldham (1895-1899)
  • Harry Ascroft (b. 1995), Australian footballer, member of the Australian National Team (2014-)


The Ascroft 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: Floruit fraxinus
Motto Translation: Flowering ash


  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  3. Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 11th February 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/clara


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