Show ContentsAusburn History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The earliest forms of hereditary surnames in Scotland were the patronymic surnames, which are derived from the father's given name, and metronymic surnames, which are derived from the mother's given name. Scottish patronymic names emerged as early as the mid-9th century. The patronyms were derived from a variety of given names that were of many different origins. The surname Ausburn is derived from the Old Norse personal name Asbjorn, meaning divine bear. Alternatively the name was Anglicized as Osbeorn and Osbern from the Old English word "be(o)rn" which meant "god warrior." Osbernus was presbyter in record (1097-1107), and Osbern was capellanus (chaplain) from 1107 to 1124. Osbernus was abbot of Jaddewurd, (c. 1150) and Osbern was capellanus of Glasgow, c. 1180. [1]

Early Origins of the Ausburn family

The surname Ausburn was first found in Kent, where they were recorded as a family of great antiquity seated as Lords of the manor of Hartlip. They were descended from Sarum in Normandy, Osborne was expelled from Normandy in 1054 by King William. He sought refuge at the Court of MacBeth in Scotland, however he made his peace with William after the Conquest and was elected Bishop of Sarum and became one of only three people permitted to dine at the King's Table.

Early History of the Ausburn family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ausburn research. Another 130 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1160, 1180, 1398, 1399, 1513, 1596, 1639, 1648, 1649, 1656, 1667, 1671, 1685, 1715, 1730 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Ausburn History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ausburn Spelling Variations

The frequent translations of surnames from and into Gaelic, accounts for the multitude of spelling variations found in Scottish surnames. Furthermore, the spelling of surnames was rarely consistent because medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to any specific spelling rules. The different versions of a surname, such as the inclusion of the patronymic prefix "Mac", frequently indicated a religious or Clan affiliation, or even a division of the family. Moreover, a large number of foreign names were brought into Scotland, accelerating accentuating the alterations to various surnames. The name Ausburn has also been spelled Osborne, Osborn, Osbourne, Osbourn, Osburn, Osburne, Osbern and many more.

Early Notables of the Ausburn family

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

Ireland Migration of the Ausburn family to Ireland

Some of the Ausburn family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 132 words (9 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Ausburn family

Some of the first North American settlers with Ausburn name or one of its variants: Richard Osborn settled in Barbados in 1634; Thomas Osborn settled in Virginia in 1623; Edward, George, John, Joseph, Mary, William Osborn all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860.


Contemporary Notables of the name Ausburn (post 1700) +

  • Ashley Catherine Ausburn, American child actress
  • Margaret Ausburn (b. 1978), American actress, known for winning the reality TV show Big Brother 6, broadcast by CBS in 2005
  • Charles Lawrence Ausburn (1889-1917), American wireless operator who posthumously awarded the United States Navy Cross for gallantry in World War I; he stood to his duty until the ship sank beneath him, eponym of the USS Charles Ausburn (DD-294) and the USS Charles Ausburne (DD-570)
  • Ausburn Birdsall (1814-1903), American politician, U.S. Representative from New York


The Ausburn 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: Pax in bello
Motto Translation: Peace in war.


  1. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)


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