Show ContentsOnslowe History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Onslowe

What does the name Onslowe mean?

The ancestry of the name Onslowe dates from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. It comes from when the family lived in the settlement of Onslow in the county of Shropshire. The surname Onslowe belongs to the large category of Anglo-Saxon habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads.

Early Origins of the Onslowe family

The surname Onslowe was first found in Shropshire at Onslow, where the family went "as far back as the time of Richard I., and probably much earlier. The first recorded ancestor is John de Ondeslowe, whose grandson, Waring, was father of 'Roger de Ondelsowe, juxta Shresbury,' whose son Thomas was living in the twelve [year] of Edward II, 1318." 1

Early History of the Onslowe family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Onslowe research. Another 170 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1571, 1601, 1622, 1628, 1641, 1642, 1654, 1660, 1664, 1685, 1688, 1708, 1710, 1714, 1715, 1717, 1721 and 1801 are included under the topic Early Onslowe History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Onslowe Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Onslowe have been found, including Onslow, Onsley and others.

Early Notables of the Onslowe family

Notables of this surname at this time include: Sir Richard Onslow (1601-1664), an English politician who sat in the House of Commons between 1628 and 1664, he fought on the Parliamentary side during the English Civil War; and his second son, Sir Arthur Onslow, 1st Baronet (1622-1688), an English politician who...
Another 50 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Onslowe Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Onslowe family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Onslowe, or a variant listed above: Charles Onslow settled in New York State in 1728.



The Onslowe 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: Festina lente
Motto Translation: Be quick without impetuosity.


  1. Shirley, Evelyn Philip, The Noble and Gentle Men of England; The Arms and Descents. Westminster: John Bower Nichols and Sons, 1866, Print.


Houseofnames.com on Facebook