Show ContentsConsterdine History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The ancient and distinguished surname Consterdine is derived from the Old French name "Constantin," which is itself derived from the Latin "Constantinus," meaning "steadfast and faithful." This name was popular throughout Continental Europe, due to the first Christian Roman Emperor, Constantine the Great, for whom Byzantium was renamed Constantinople. The name was brought to England in the wake of the Norman Conquest.

Early Origins of the Consterdine family

The surname Consterdine was first found in Devon and Cornwall where "Constantine, King of Devon and Cornwall in latter half of sixth century, after a wicked life, was 'converted to the Lord.' He then abandoned his throne and became a monk under S. Carthach at Rahin. King's County, Ireland. He afterwards crossed over to Scotland, founded the church of Govan, and suffered martyrdom in Kintyre, where there is a church, Kilchousland, named after him. In Angus he is vulgarly called Cousnan." 1

Another source notes: "Nigel was Viscount of Constantine or Coutances 1047, when he revolted against Duke William and lost his vast estates. Of his descendants, Ralph de Constantine was seated in Salop 1086 2. Hugh de Constantine, his son, granted lands to Salop Abbey before 1121. Umfrid de Constantine witnessed its foundation charter 1093, and Richard de Constantine that of Haghmond Abbey 1099. The family long flourished in Salop, and temp. Henry II. sent a branch to Ireland, of which Geoffry de Constantine witnessed the charter of St. Thomas, Dublin, 1177, and founded Tristernagh Abbey. " 3

Early History of the Consterdine family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Consterdine research. Another 132 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1172, 1173, 1189, 1199, 1236, 1501, 1524, 1559 and 1640 are included under the topic Early Consterdine History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Consterdine Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Constantine, Constantin, Cossentine, Considene, Consterdine, Constyn, Costantine and many more.

Early Notables of the Consterdine family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Walter de Constantiis, who was Vice Chancellor of England in 1173.George Constantine (b. 1501-1559), was a a Protestant reformer who was first brought up as a surgeon. "He received his education in the University of Cambridge, and was Bachelor of Canon Law in 1524. Adopting the reformed doctrines...
Another 55 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Consterdine Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Consterdine family to Ireland

Some of the Consterdine family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 84 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Australia Consterdine migration to Australia +

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

Consterdine Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. James Consterdine, British convict who was convicted in Lancaster, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Asia" on 29th September 1831, settling in New South Wales, Australia 4
  • Mr. Thomas Consterdine, (b. 1806), aged 38, English convict who was convicted in Salford, Greater Manchester, England for 10 years for house breaking, transported aboard the "Equestrian" on 25th January 1844, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Island), he died in 1867 5

Contemporary Notables of the name Consterdine (post 1700) +

  • Peter Consterdine, British martial artist who holds a 9th Dan in karate


  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)
  2. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  3. The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
  4. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 12th January 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/asia/1831
  5. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 4th May 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/equestrian


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