Kesser Surname History

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Etymology of Kesser

What does the name Kesser mean?

The earliest origins of the Kesser surname date from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name reveals that an early member was a person who behaved in an imperious manner or it may have also referred to someone who played the part of an emperor in a pageant or play. Kesser is derived from the German word kaiser, which means emperor. This was originally derived from the German word keiser, which in turn came from the Old German word keisar; these both were derived from the Latin imperial title Caesar, which was originally a family name. The most famous members of this family are the great Roman general and statesman Julius Caesar and his adopted son Augustus Caesar, who was the first Roman Emperor. The German title Kaiser was used by the Holy Roman Emperors from Otto I, who ascended the throne in 962 to Francis II, who relinquished the title in 1806. The surname Kesser was often brought to England by German settlers, many of whom were imported as laborers following the Norman Conquest in 1066.

Early Origins of the Kesser family

The surname Kesser was first found in Oxfordshire, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Kesser family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kesser research. Another 104 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1195, 1273, 1663, 1670 and 1739 are included under the topic Early Kesser History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kesser Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Kesser are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Kesser include: Kaiser, Kaeser, Kaser, Keiser, Keaser, Kesser, Keysar, Keyser, Cayser and many more.

Early Notables of the Kesser family

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

Migration of the Kesser family to Ireland

Some of the Kesser family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kesser migration to the United States +

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Kesser or a variant listed above:

Kesser Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

John Kesser to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1858