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Help[Surname] Re: Estes
in reply to a message by Marc
I don't know why it would be spelled that...it's been "Estes" since at least the 1500s. There isn't a U sound in the modern family's pronouncation like in Eustace so it's weird that over time it's dropped that sound. We all say something like "Es-tis," with the 'i' sounding like the 'i' in 'bit.' So I think I put more faith into the possible Italian origin. Very interesting and I'll keep the Eustace and variations idea in my notes.
Thanks for your help. :)
Thanks for your help. :)
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Replies
Wise not to put faith in websites offering 'family crests'. I have to say that I've never encountered this name as English, only American.
I was dubious about the Kentish, even English, origin, but the information here -
http://www.roots-boots.net/ft/l-eastes.txt
looks reliable. Note that the English spelling is Eastes, a name new to me, and very rare if it exists at all in England today. It could be a variant of Eustace, or from the word 'east'. Personally I'm very sceptical about the D'Este origin.
I was dubious about the Kentish, even English, origin, but the information here -
http://www.roots-boots.net/ft/l-eastes.txt
looks reliable. Note that the English spelling is Eastes, a name new to me, and very rare if it exists at all in England today. It could be a variant of Eustace, or from the word 'east'. Personally I'm very sceptical about the D'Este origin.
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