Show ContentsWincester History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Wincester Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Etymology of Wincester

What does the name Wincester mean?

The origins of the Wincester name lie with England's ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It comes from when the family lived in the city of Winchester in Hampshire. Further research revealed that the name is derived from the Old English word ventaceaster, meaning the dweller at the Roman fort. 1

"This place, called by the ancient Britons Caer Gwent, from the whiteness of its chalky soil, was the Venta Belgarum of Ptolemy and Antoninus; and on its subsequent occupation by the Saxons, obtained the appellation of Wintan-Ceaster, from which its present name is derived. It was probably first inhabited by the Celtic Britons, who emigrated from the coasts of Armorica, in Gaul, and came to this part of the island, finding well-watered valleys, fertile plains, and shady forests, adapted to their support, and suited to the exercise of their religious rites." 2

Early Origins of the Wincester family

The surname Wincester was first found in Hampshire where Odo de Wincestre was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. 3 Later, William de Wyncestre was recorded in Yorkshire in 1286 and John Wynchestre in Gloucestershire in 1360. 4

From the original city in Hampshire, Scotland proved to be an attractive place to move during the turbulent times. "Thomas de Wincestre of the county of Arne rendered homage in 1296 [to King Edward I of England.] Another Thomas de Wynchester rendered homage in the same year. Johan de Wincestre and Henry de Wincestre, both of the county of Lanark, also rendered homage. Jchn Wincestir was chancellor of Dunkeld in 1426, Magister Henricus Wynsister held a tenement in Glasgow in 1498, and John Wynsister was witness to a deed of 1495, William Winchestre was vicar of Grantuly in 1505, Jaspar Win-chister was a tenant of the bishop of Moray in 1565." 5

Early History of the Wincester family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wincester research. Another 256 words (18 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1424, 1428, 1435, 1460, 1471, 1495, 1567, 1569, 1574, 1579, 1591, 1592, 1628, 1643, 1686, 1694, 1724, 1803, 1804 and 1826 are included under the topic Early Wincester History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Wincester 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 Wincester were recorded, including Winchester, Wincester and others.

Early Notables of the Wincester family

John of Winchester (d. 1460?), Bishop of Moray, who is said to have been an Englishman who ventured into Scotland in the retinue of James I on his return from England in 1424. "His name (though there are contemporary instances of it as a surname in Scotland) suggests that he may have been a priest of the household of Cardinal Beaufort, bishop of...
Another 63 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Wincester Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Wincester family to Ireland

Some of the Wincester family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Wincester 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 Wincester family emigrate to North America: Andrew Winchester, who arrived in Virginia in 1639 with his wife and child; John Winchester settled in Virginia in 1636; William Winchester arrived in Maryland in 1732.
  1. Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
  2. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  3. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  4. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  5. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)

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