Show ContentsStoness History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Stoness family

The surname Stoness was first found in Gloucestershire at Stonehouse, a parish, in the union of Stroud, Lower division of the hundred of Whitstone. [1] [2] This is presumed to be the oldest at it is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Stanhus. [3]

However, East Stonehouse (commonly called Stonehouse), a town and parish, forming a union of itself, in the borough of Devonport, and suburbs of Plymouth, Roborough and S. divisions of Devon may arguably be of the same vintage. "This place, originally called Hipperston, was in the reign of Henry III. the property of Joel de Stonehouse, from whom it derives its present name." [1] The hamlet of West Stonehouse stood on the opposite shore of the harbour, near Cremill, and Mount Edgcumbe, until burnt by the French, some centuries ago.

"The manor came to a family named thence of Stonehouse, and from them it passed by marriage to the Durnfords." [4] No dates were given for this record, but we do know that the manor was originally held by Robert the Bastard at the date of the compilation of 'Domesday' and had passed on to the Stonehouse family from him. [4]

As far as early rolls are concerned, John de Stonhus, Gloucestershire was listed in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 and John del Stonhuse, was listed in the Close Rolls, 47 Henry III (during the 47th year of King Henry III's reign.) [5]

Another source notes Alexander de Stonhuse was listed in Cheshire in 1257; Ranulf del Stonhouse in the Subsidy Rolls of Staffordshire in 1332; and Henry atte Stonehouse in Surrey in 1359. [6]

As one would imagine, the name literally means "Dweller at the Stone House [Old English stán + hús]" [7]

Early History of the Stoness family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Stoness research. Another 88 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1350, 1603, 1639, 1640, 1641, 1644, 1675, 1689, 1690 and 1700 are included under the topic Early Stoness History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Stoness Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Stonehouse, Stonhouse and others.

Early Notables of the Stoness family

Notables of this surname at this time include: Sir William Stonhouse, 1st Baronet of Radley; Sir John Stonhouse, 2nd Baronet (1639- 1700), an English politician, Member of Parliament for Abingdon (1675-1689) and...
Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Stoness Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Stoness family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: William Stonehouse who landed in America in 1746; David, Jane, and Robert and seven children settled in Marblehead, Massachusetts in 1821; James Stonehouse settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1833.



The Stoness 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: Sublimiora petamus
Motto Translation: Let us seek higher things.


  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  2. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
  3. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  4. Worth, R.N., A History of Devonshire London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, E.G., 1895. Digital
  5. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  6. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  7. Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print


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