Show ContentsLinstead History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Linstead family

The surname Linstead was first found in Kent at Linstead, a parish, in the union of Faversham, hundred of Teynham, Upper division of the lathe of Scray. Alternatively, the surname could have originated in either Linstead Magna or Linstead Parva in Suffolk. Both of these places have a considerably lower population with Linstead Magna having fewer than 100 and Linstread Parva having about 200 people. Literally, the name Linstead means "place where flax is grown, or where maple trees grow." 1 The first record of the place name was found in the Domesday Book of 1086 where it was listed as Linestede. 2

Early History of the Linstead family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Linstead research. Another 75 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Linstead History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Linstead Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Linstead, Linsted and others.

Early Notables of the Linstead family

Distinguished members of the family include

  • the Linstead family of Kent


Canada Linstead migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Linstead Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Martha Linstead, who was recorded in the census of Ontario, Canada in 1871

Contemporary Notables of the name Linstead (post 1700) +

  • Alec Linstead, American film and television actor (1970-1990s)
  • George F. Linstead, American politician, Warden (borough president) of Bristol, Connecticut, 1911 3
  • Sir Patrick Linstead, English chemist Rector of Imperial College London 1954-1966
  • Johannes Linstead, Canadian award-winning guitarist and instrumentalist


  1. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
  2. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  3. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, November 4) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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