Stearns History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsStearns is a name of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was a name given to a stern person. The surname Stearns is derived from the Old English word styrne, which means severe, strict, uncompromising, and austere. Early Origins of the Stearns familyThe surname Stearns was first found in Buckinghamshire where they held a family seat as Lords of the manor of Grendon from early times. Early History of the Stearns familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Stearns research. Another 57 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1592, 1596, 1607, 1624, 1642, 1660, 1664, 1669, 1683, 1700, 1713, 1745, 1759 and 1768 are included under the topic Early Stearns History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Stearns Spelling VariationsBefore the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Stearns were recorded, including Sterne, Stern, Stearn, Stearns and others. Early Notables of the Stearns familyNotables of the family at this time include John Sterne, Bishop of Colchester in 1592 and held the post until his death in 1607; and Richard Sterne (c. 1596-1683), English Church of England priest, Bishop of Carlisle in 1660, Archbishop of York from 1664 to 1683. He was the alleged author of the 'Whole Duty of Man.' 1 "On the outbreak of the civil war, Sterne zealously adopted the royalist cause, and in August 1642 he arranged for the despatch of large quantities of college plate to the king. Cromwell, however, who, as one of the burgesses of Cambridge, was engaged... Stearns RankingIn the United States, the name Stearns is the 2,119th most popular surname with an estimated 14,922 people with that name. 2 Migration of the Stearns family to IrelandSome of the Stearns family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Stearns family emigrate to North America: Stearns Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Stearns Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Some of the first settlers of this family name were: Stearns Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include: Stearns Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
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