Show ContentsPostill History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Postill surname is thought to derive from a place name, most likely from Postlewaite in the Parish of Millom, Cumberland. The place name comes from and Old English personal name Possel or Postel, combined with "thwaite," which means "a clearing."

Early Origins of the Postill family

The surname Postill was first found in Cumberland, where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. The family appear from ancient documents to have held lands in various parts of Cumberland from an early period. The original name came from Possel or Postel's clearing, a thwaite being a clearing. In time, the 'thwaite' was corrupted to 'white' and some of the family name still prefer this spelling.

Early History of the Postill family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Postill research. Another 100 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1650, 1713, 1780 and 1809 are included under the topic Early Postill History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Postill Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Postlethwaite, Postelthwaite, Postel, Postell, Postels, Postells, Postill, Posselthwaite, Postlewhite, Postlethwait, Poslethwaite, Postlewaite, Poslethwait, Postillthwaite, Postilthwaite and many more.

Early Notables of the Postill family

Another 36 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Postill Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Postill migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Postill Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Ernest Postill, aged 39, who landed in America, in 1923
  • Gertrude Postill, aged 35, who settled in America from Horn Sea, England, in 1924

Contemporary Notables of the name Postill (post 1700) +

  • John Postill, Australian researcher in Digital ethnography at RMIT University, Melbourne
  • Ronald Postill TD, MA, English Headmaster, Victoria College, Jersey, Tutor, Millfield School, Somerset


The Postill 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: Semper paratus
Motto Translation: Always prepared.


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