Stepkin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The origins of the Anglo-Saxon name Stepkin come from its first bearer, who was a person who "treads lightly" 1 or may refer "[to a person's] gait." 2

Early Origins of the Stepkin family

The surname Stepkin was first found in various counties and shires throughout England. Early records of the name were very scarce yet one source claims that John Stepsoft who was listed in 1260 as a probable ancestor. 1

Many years later, William Steptoe was listed in the Hearth Tax Returns for Oxfordshire in 1665 and in 1674, John Steptoe was listed in the Hearth Tax Rolls for Suffolk. 1 One branch of the family was established in Middlesex as Anthony Steptoe immigrated to America from there in 1676.

Early History of the Stepkin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Stepkin research. Another 51 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1751, 1753, 1788 and 1802 are included under the topic Early Stepkin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Stepkin Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Stepkin has been spelled many different ways, including Stepto, Steptoe, Steptow, Steptowe and others.

Early Notables of the Stepkin family

Another 38 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Stepkin Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Stepkin family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Stepkins to arrive in North America: the name represented in many forms and recorded from the mid 17th century in the great migration from Europe. Migrants settled in the eastern seaboard from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands..

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)