Show ContentsSteptowe History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Steptowe is a name of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was a name given to a person who "treads lightly" 1 or may refer "[to a person's] gait." 2

Early Origins of the Steptowe family

The surname Steptowe 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 Steptowe family

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

Steptowe Spelling Variations

Before 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 Steptowe were recorded, including Stepto, Steptoe, Steptow, Steptowe and others.

Early Notables of the Steptowe family

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

Migration of the Steptowe family

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 Steptowe family emigrate to 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..



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


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