Staak History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

Etymology of Staak

What does the name Staak mean?

When the Strongbownian's arrived in Ireland there was already a system for creating patronymic names in place. Therefore, the native population regarded many of the Anglo-Norman naming practices that these settlers were accustomed to as rather unusual. Despite their differences, the two different systems eventually merged together rather insidiously. The Strongbownians, when they arrived, displayed a preference for used nickname surnames. Two of the most prevalent forms were oath nicknames and imperative names. Oath names often carried blessings or were formed from habitual expressions. Imperative names, formed from a verb added to a noun or an adverb, metaphorically described the bearer's occupations. The nick name surname Staak is derived from a nickname for a large, well-built man. The surname Staak is derived from the Old English word "stack," which in turn comes from the Old Norse word "stakkr," which means "haystack." The Gaelic form of the surname Staak is Stac.

Early Origins of the Staak family

The surname Staak was first found in Gloucestershire, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D. They were recruited from their seat at Bath to join the Earl of Pembroke's invasion of Ireland.

Early History of the Staak family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Staak research. Another 84 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Staak History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Staak Spelling Variations

Medieval scribes and church officials spelt names simply the way they sounded, which explains the various name spelling variations of the name Staak that were encountered when researching that surname. The many spelling variations included: Stack, Stacke, Stacks and others.

Early Notables of the Staak family

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

Migration of the Staak family

Irish immigration to North American began in the late 18th century as many Irish families desired to own their own land. This pattern of immigration grew slowly yet steadily until the 1840s. At that time, a failed crop and a growing population in Ireland resulted in the Great Potato Famine. Poverty, disease, and starvation ravaged the land. To ease their pain and suffering the Irish often looked upon North America as a solution: hundreds of thousands undertook the voyage. Their arrival meant the growth of industry and commerce for British North America and the United States. For the individual Irishman, it meant survival and hope, and the opportunity for work, freedom, and ownership of land. The early immigration and passenger lists revealed many bearing the name Staak: Thomas and Mary Stack with their six children who arrived in Prescott, Ontario in 1825; Maurice, Michael, Peter, Patrick, Thomas and William Stack, all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1866. In Newfoundland, Thomas Stack settled in St. John'.