Eastmind History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The ancestors of the Eastmind family lived among the ancient Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. Eastmind was a name given to a person who was of grace or favorable protection. The surname Eastmind originally derived from the Old English word Eastmund which referred to grace. 1

The surname Eastmind belongs to a broad and miscellaneous class of surnames. Nickname surnames referred to a characteristic of the first person who used the name. They can describe the bearer's favored style of clothing, appearance, habits, or character. Often nicknames described strong traits or attributes that people wished to emulate in a specific animal.

Early Origins of the Eastmind family

The surname Eastmind was first found in the Domesday Book of 1086 where Estmunt was listed in Suffolk. 2 Over a century later, Ricardus filius Estmund was listed in the Pipe Rills for Essex in 1195, and later again, Esmond (surname only) was listed 1313-14. Stephen Estmund was listed in the Assize Rolls of Berkshire in 1227 and Geoffrey Astmund was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of Worcester in 1275. John Eastmunde was listed in the Assize Rolls of Somerset in 1277 and Alan Esmund was listed in the Feet of Fines for Essex in 1285. 1

Many of the family were found in Cambridgeshire where the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 list: Geoffrey Estmund; Cecil Estmond; Hugh Estmund; and John Estmond as all holding lands there at that time. 3

In Somerset, John Estmond was listed 1 Edward III (during the first year of the reign of King Edward III.) 4

To the far south in Dorset the Eastmond spelling was more prevalent. This entry of the plight of one Catholic family is interesting: "Of this family I can glean nothing whatever, except from Rymer's 'Foedera,' tom, xviii. p. 392, where we learn the complaint of the House of Commons to King Charles, that in the house of Mary Eastmond, in Dorsetshire, had been discovered, by two justices of the peace, divers copes, altars, chalices, &c., who thereupon tendered to her the oath of allegiance and supremacy, and upon her refusing it, committed her to the constable, from whose custody she made her escape; yet that Secretary Lord Conway had written to those justices in her favour." 5

Early History of the Eastmind family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Eastmind research. Another 105 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1285, 1303, 1570 and 1646 are included under the topic Early Eastmind History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Eastmind Spelling Variations

Eastmind has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Eastmind have been found, including Eastman, Eastmunt, Esmund, Estman, Yeastman, Eestman, Eastmun, Eastmen, Eastmin and many more.

Early Notables of the Eastmind family

Another 26 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Eastmind Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Eastmind family to Ireland

Some of the Eastmind family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 73 words (5 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 Eastmind family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Eastminds to arrive on North American shores: Roger Eastman, who settled in Massachusetts in 1636; Mary Eastman, who immigrated to Maryland in 1671; James Eastman, who arrived in Barbados in 1679.

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.
Oliver, George, Collections Illustrating the History of the Catholic Religion in the Counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wilts, and Gloucester London: Charles Dolman, 61, New Bond Street, 1857. Print