Show ContentsKempstoom History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Kempstoom family name dates back to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. The name comes from when an early member worked as a person whose father was a knight or soldier. The surname Kempstoom was originally derived from the Old English word kemp, which came from the Old English word cempa, which means warrior and occasionally means athlete or wrestler. 1 The name also features the popular patronymic suffix -son, which was most common in the north of England and superseded other patronymic suffixes in prominence during the 14th century.

Early Origins of the Kempstoom family

The surname Kempstoom was first found in Kempston, parishes in Bedfordshire and Norfolk. "This parish [in Bedfordshire], in the Domesday Survey Camestone, comprises about 5000 acres; the soil in the valley of the Ouse is gravelly, and in other parts clay." 2

The first record of the family was Peter de Kemeston who was listed in the Pipe Rolls of Bedfordshire in 1190. Years later the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 in Berkshire listed Simon de Kempston and later again, Symond Kempston was listed in 1426 in the Paston Letters and Papers of the Fifteenth Century. 3 Richard Kemson was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379. 1

Early History of the Kempstoom family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kempstoom research. Another 115 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1661, 1662, 1683, 1684, 1726, 1728 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Kempstoom History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kempstoom Spelling Variations

Kempstoom 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 Kempstoom have been found, including Kempson, Kempston, Kimpson, Kempton, Kempstone and many more.

Early Notables of the Kempstoom family

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

Ireland Migration of the Kempstoom family to Ireland

Some of the Kempstoom family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 58 words (4 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 Kempstoom 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 Kempstooms to arrive on North American shores: John Kempson who settled in Virginia in 1734; John Kempson settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1856; A. Kempton settled in Savannah, Georgia in 1821.



  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  3. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


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