| Eustass History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
Ireland Etymology of EustassWhat does the name Eustass mean? The Strongbownian invaders added their Norman conventions for surnames to the previously established Irish system for hereditary surnames. One of the most frequent forms of surnames for both cultures was the patronymic surname, which was formed from the name of the bearer's father or grandfather. The Norman tradition that the followers of Strongbow brought with them created such a surname through diminutive suffixes such as "-ot," "-et," "-un," "-in," or "-el." Occasionally, two suffixes were combined to form a double diminutive, as in the combinations of "-el-in," "-el-ot," "-in-ot," and "-et-in." The Normans also formed patronymic surnames in a manner very similar to the Irish: they added a prefix to their father's name. These Anglo-Norman people, however, used the prefix Fitz-, which was derived from the French word "fils," and ultimately from the Latin "filius," which both mean "son." Although this prefix probably originated in Flanders or Normandy, it can now only be found in Ireland. The surname Eustass is derived from the personal name Eustace. This name is derived from the Latin name "Eustacius," which in turn is derived from the distinct Greek names "Eustakhios," which means "fruitful," and "Eustathios," which means "orderly." Early Origins of the Eustass familyThe surname Eustass was first found in County Meath, Wicklow and Wexford. They were Barons of Meath and later became the Viscounts Baltinglass. Some of the family claim descent through the O'Briens and thereby the Heber Kings of Ireland. "Sir Roland Eustace, or Fitz Eustace, Lord Portlester, was descended from a branch or the Geraldines to whom Henry II. had granted the country round Nass. In 1454 he was appointed Deputy to Richard, Duke of York; and again in 1462 he filled the same office for the Duke of Clarence." (O'Hart) Stacey and its variants are a derivative of Eustace and are principally found in Wicklow and Wexford. 1 Early History of the Eustass familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Eustass research. Another 166 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1066, 1200, 1639 and 1702 are included under the topic Early Eustass History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Eustass Spelling VariationsNames were simply spelled as they sounded by medieval scribes and church officials. Therefore, during the lifetime of a single person, his name was often spelt in many different ways, explaining the many spelling variations encountered while researching the name Eustass. Some of these variations included: FitzEustace, Eustace, Eustice, Eustis, Stacy, Stacey, Stasey, Stacie, Stacie, Staicey, Staycey and many more. Early Notables of the Eustass familyMore information is included under the topic Early Eustass Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Eustass familyIrish immigration to North American began in the late 18th century as many Irish families desired to own their own land. This pattern of immigration grew slowly yet steadily until the 1840s. At that time, a failed crop and a growing population in Ireland resulted in the Great Potato Famine. Poverty, disease, and starvation ravaged the land. To ease their pain and suffering the Irish often looked upon North America as a solution: hundreds of thousands undertook the voyage. Their arrival meant the growth of industry and commerce for British North America and the United States. For the individual Irishman, it meant survival and hope, and the opportunity for work, freedom, and ownership of land. The early immigration and passenger lists revealed many bearing the name Eustass: James Eustis settled in Virginia in 1635; Mary Eustace settled in America in 1724; Alice Stacey settled in Barbados in 1664; Hugh Stacey settled in Salem, Mass in 1630.
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: Cur me persequeris? Motto Translation: Why persecutest thou me?
- MacLysaght, Edward, Supplement to Irish Families. Baltimore: Genealogical Book Company, 1964. Print.
 |