Prestwidge History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Etymology of Prestwidge

What does the name Prestwidge mean?

The Anglo-Saxon name Prestwidge comes from when the family resided in Prestwick, Northumberland, or in Prestwich, in Cheshire. Prestwich is now part of Greater Manchester. The place names Prestwick and Prestwich have an identical etymology; they are derived from the Old English words preost, which meant priest, and wic, which meant farm. The place names taken as a whole mean "priest's farm."

Early Origins of the Prestwidge family

The surname Prestwidge was first found in Lancashire where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the census rolls taken by the ancient Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Prestwidge family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Prestwidge research. Another 85 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1250 is included under the topic Early Prestwidge History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Prestwidge Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Prestwidge include Prestwick, Preswick, Preswicke, Prestwich and others.

Early Notables of the Prestwidge family

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

Migration of the Prestwidge family to Ireland

Some of the Prestwidge family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Prestwidge family

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: Roger Preswicke, who came to New England in 1702; and Thomas Prestwich who settled in Philadelphia in 1868.

The Prestwidge 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: In te domine speravi
Motto Translation: In thee, O Lord, I have placed my hope.