Show ContentsCooksten History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The origins of the Anglo-Saxon name Cooksten come from its first bearer, who was a son of a cook. Further research revealed that the name is derived from the Norman French word cok, which means cook.

Early Origins of the Cooksten family

The surname Cooksten was first found in the West Riding of Yorkshire where they were originally from Settle. 1

Early History of the Cooksten family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cooksten research. Another 120 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1220, 1273, 1379, 1609, 1636, 1654, 1677, 1679, 1682, 1704, 1735 and 1743 are included under the topic Early Cooksten History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Cooksten Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Cooksten has been spelled many different ways, including Cookson, Cuckson, Cockson, Coxon and others.

Early Notables of the Cooksten family

Distinguished members of the family include Thomas Cookson or Coxon (fl. 1609-1636), one of the earliest English engravers, who left a large number of portraits engraved in a dry, but neatly finished manner. 2 Another Thomas Coxon (1654-1735), was an English Jesuit, a native of the county of Durham. 2 Captain John Coxon (fl. 1677-1682), was a...
Another 54 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Cooksten Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Cooksten family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Cookstens to arrive in North America: John Cookson who settled in Virginia in 1774; Craven Cookson settled in America in 1830; Thomas Coxson settled in St. Christopher in 1635; Thomas Coxson settled in Virginia in 1637.



The Cooksten 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: Nil desperandum
Motto Translation: Never despairing.


  1. Arthur, William , An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. London: 1857. Print
  2. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


Houseofnames.com on Facebook