Show ContentsMostend History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The ancestors of the bearers of the Mostend surname lived in or near the Welsh settlement of Mostyn in Whitford. The surname Mostend belongs to the category of habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads.

Early Origins of the Mostend family

The surname Mostend was first found in Flintshire (Welsh: Sir y Fflint), a historic county, created after the defeat of the Welsh Kingdom of Gwynedd in 1284, and located in north-east Wales, where they were descended from one of the fifteen noble tribes of Wales. In the 12th century they were Lords of the Manor of Mostyn, seated at Mostyn Hall. At the taking of the Domesday Book in 1086 Mostyn, was held by Robert of Rhuddlan from whom they may also be conjecturally descended. Another branch of the family was found in Moston, Cheshire. "The manor, in old records "Moreston," was given about 1125 to the convent of St. Werburgh, under which an estate was held here by a family who took their name from the township." 1

Early History of the Mostend family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Mostend research. Another 112 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1567, 1621, 1622, 1642 and 1925 are included under the topic Early Mostend History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Mostend Spelling Variations

Compared to other ancient cultures found in the British Isles, the number of Welsh surnames are relatively few, but there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations. These spelling variations began almost as soon as surname usage became common. The most obvious reason was the challenge of translating from Welsh into English. As a result, people could not specify how to spell their own names leaving the specific recording up to the individual scribe or priest. Those recorders would then spell the names as they heard them, causing many different variations. Later, many Welsh names were recorded in English. This transliteration process was extremely imprecise since the Brythonic Celtic language of the Welsh used many sounds the English language was not accustomed to. Finally, some variations occurred by the individual's design: a branch loyalty within a family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations were indicated by spelling variations of one's name. The Mostend name over the years has been spelled Mostyn, Mostin, Mostyne, Mosten, Mostine and others.

Early Notables of the Mostend family

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

Migration of the Mostend family

Many people from Wales joined the general migration to North America in the 19th and 20th centuries, searching for land, work, and freedom. Like the many other immigrants from the British Isles, they made a significant contribution to the development of Canada and the United States. The Welsh and their descendents added a rich cultural tradition to the newly developed towns, cities, and villages. An investigation of the immigration and passenger lists has revealed a number of people bearing the name Mostend: John Mosten arrived in North America in 1750.



The Mostend Motto +

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: Auxilium meum a Domino
Motto Translation: My help is from the Lord.


  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


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