Constine History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland
Scotland

Etymology of Constine

What does the name Constine mean?

The ancient and distinguished surname Constine 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 Constine family

The surname Constine 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 Constine family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Constine 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 Constine History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Constine Spelling Variations

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

Early Notables of the Constine 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 Constine Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Constine family to Ireland

Some of the Constine 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.

Migration of the Constine family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Jon. Constantine, who settled in Virginia in 1637; Thomas Constantine, who immigrated to Maryland in 1675; Charles Constantine, who arrived in Barbados in 1677.

Citations +

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)
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
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)