Postlethwaite History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

The Postlethwaite 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 Postlethwaite family

The surname Postlethwaite 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 Postlethwaite family

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

Postlethwaite 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 Postlethwaite family

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

Postlethwaite migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Postlethwaite Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Hugh W. Postlethwaite, aged 38, who immigrated to the United States from London, in 1905
Armie Camilla Postlethwaite, aged 71, who landed in America from London, in 1906
Edith Postlethwaite, aged 31, who immigrated to the United States from Eure, France, in 1906
Elen Postlethwaite, aged 26, who immigrated to America from Bennington, England, in 1907
Ellen Postlethwaite, aged 36, who immigrated to the United States from Loppergard, England, in 1907
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Postlethwaite migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Postlethwaite Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century

Colin W. Postlethwaite, aged 72, who immigrated to Toronto, Canada, in 1908

Contemporary Notables of the name Postlethwaite (post 1700) +

Harvey Postlethwaite (1944-1999), British engineer, who was technical director of Formula One racing teams
William Postlethwaite (d. 1908), 19th century Member of Parliament from the Canterbury Region of New Zealand
Peter William "Pete" Postlethwaite OBE (1946-2011), Oscar-nominated English actor described by director Steven Spielberg as "probably the best actor in the world"
Thomas Postlethwaite (1731-1798), English clergyman, Master of Trinity College, Cambridge (1789-1798)

The Postlethwaite 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.