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Information
contained in these pages is intended for genealogical research only, and I ask
that you respect the privacy of those mentioned.
Please
acknowledge the source of any information used from these pages.
Origin / History of the Ainsworth Name
The Ainsworth pedigree can be traced to Norman times, with the
largest concentration found around Lancashire. However, there is a small number in and
around Hampshire. Thought to be a habitation name from a place near Manchester,
called Ainsworth, which is recorded as 'Hainewrthe',
circa 1200 in the Pipe Rolls of Lancashire, and as 'Aynesworth' in the Assize
Court Rolls of 1285. The place name is composed of the Olde English pre 7th
Century personal name 'Aegen', from 'aegen' meaning own, plus 'worth', a
homestead,
a small enclosure, such as a fenced-in farm or estate;
hence, 'Aegen's homestead'.
Or perhaps
from a Saxon name
such as Einulf or Einsilf; Einsilf’s farm = Einsilfworth = Ainsworth.
Coat of Arms / Crest A Coat of Arms was granted to an Ainsworth family of Spotland, Lancashire, it is red with three silver battleaxes. The Crest is a man at arms in complete armour holding a battleaxe. The motto 'Spero meliora', meaning 'I hope for better things'. However, it is unlikely this Coat of Arms or Motto is connected to the Hampshire Ainsworths.
Click on the Surname to go to the Family Sheet
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