Astle

English surname
the name

Astle is an English surname of dual origins. In the East Midlands, the surname is certainly of patronymic origin. This is also a possibility in Cheshire yet the name there more probably originated as a locative surname.

The surname Astle originated in Mercia, England. In the East Midlands, the name was derived from the Old Norse name Ásketill , from áss meaning "god" and ketill meaning "cauldron". References to a king Asketil who with three other kings in 874 sacked Repton, are found in 12th century surveys by the Monks of Burton Abbey. This was during the campaign of King Ceolwulf II and the Great Heathen Army to overthrow King Burgred. The four kings were allocated lands in a partitioned Mercia corresponding to the modern shires of Lincoln, Nottingham, Derby and Leicester. To this day, the largest grouping of Astle families is still concentrated in a relatively small area of South Derbyshire and East Staffordshire, close to the River Trent.

While the spelling 'Astles' prevails in Cheshire, the regular spelling of 'Astle' is also common. However, its origin in this area may be distinct. As the Danes occupied Cheshire via the west coast, it is possible that other men named 'Asketil' lent their name to the people of the region. However, it is more likely that the name is this area derives from the hamlet of Astle, previously Asthull, a contraction of "east hill". Thus it is a locative surname.

The following alternative spellings are related to the name 'Astle': Astel, Astell, Asthul, Astill, Astels, Astles, Astull, Astyll and Asketil. The surname Astley is 'not' related.

The shield of the Astle coat of arms is gules (red) symbolising martyrdom, military strength or warriors. It contains a white cross crosslet in each corner, indicating that the family engaged in the Crusades. At its centre is a 'lion passant', the upper body of which is 'or' (gold), according to the common English tradition, while the colouring of its lower body may signify the Danish origin of the family.

The Astle family crest is a seahorse couchant ducally gorged. It originated in Staffordshire. The seahorse symbolises the power of water.

The Astle family motto is 'Sub cruce glorior' ('The glory of the Cross').