Show ContentsConter History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Conter family

The surname Conter was first found in Cornwall in the parish of St. Clement's.

"In this town, says Hals, is that well known place called Con-or Con-dura. From which place, in all probability, was denominated Cundor or Conder, in Latin Condorus, Earl of Cornwall, at the time of the Norman Conquest, who perhaps lived or was born here. And moreover, the inhabitants of this church town and the neighbourhood will tell you by tradition from age to age, that here once dwelt a great lord and lady Condura. This Condorus, as our historians tell us, submitted to the Conqueror's jurisdiction in 1066, paid homage for his earldom, and took an oath of fealty to him. But this account has not the appearance of truth; for most certain it is, he in the third year of the Conqueror's reign, was deprived of his earldom, the same being given to Robert Earl of Moreton, whose son succeeded him in that dignity. But be this as it may, it is certain that this Condorus had a son named Caddock, by some called Condorus the second, whose chief residence was at Inceworth, near Millbrook. This Caddock died in the year 1120, and his remains now lie in the chancel of St. Stephen's Church, near Saltash." 1

Another source claims the family was from Shropshire (Salop) where they were Lords of the Manor at Condover. In this case, the surname is descended from the tenant of the lands and large village of Condover were held by Earl Roger and Roger Venator who was recorded in the Domesday Book census of 1086. 2

Early History of the Conter family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Conter research. Another 94 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1275, 1658 and 1829 are included under the topic Early Conter History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Conter Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Conder, Condor, Conter, Condar and others.

Early Notables of the Conter family

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


Conter migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Conter Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Pierre Conter, who settled in South Carolina in 1812
  • Jean Pierre Conter, aged 2, Belgian settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Harriet" in 1844 3
  • Harry Conter, aged 46, Belgian settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Harriet" in 1844 3
  • Louis Conter, aged 3, Belgian settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Harriet" in 1844 3
  • Elisabeth Conter, aged 5, Belgian settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Harriet" in 1844 3
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Conter migration to Australia +

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

Conter Settlers in Australia in the 20th Century
  • Mr P H Conter, settler from London who arrived in Fremantle, Australia aboard the ship "Bremen" in 1908 4
  • Pietro Conter, settler from Naples who arrived in Brisbane, Australia aboard the ship "Orvieto" in 1922 4
  • Giacomo Conter, settler from Naples who arrived in Brisbane, Australia aboard the ship "Ormonde" in 1924 4

Contemporary Notables of the name Conter (post 1700) +

  • Louis Anthony Conter (1921-2024), American Lieutenant Commander and Naval Aviator in the United States Navy as of 2024 was the last living survivor of the sinking of the USS Arizona

USS Arizona
  • Mr. Louis A. Conter, American Quartermaster Second Class working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he survived the sinking 5


  1. Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print
  2. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  3. Ellis Island Search retrieved 21st October 2021. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result
  4. National Archives of Australia retrieved 15th November 2022. Retrieved from https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ListingReports/PassengerListing.aspx
  5. Pearl Harbour: USS Arizona Casualties List Pearl Harbour December 7, 1941. (Retrieved 2018, July 31st). Retrieved from http://pearl-harbor.com/arizona/casualtylist.html


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