Sexton Family Crest, Coat of Arms & Sexton Name Origin

Get Free Updates about Family Crests, New Information, Stories, Special Offers and more with our Occasional Newsletter Updates

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name *

Last Name

Origin of the Name Sexton

The ancient history of the name Sexton was found in the allfamilycrests.com archives. include Saxton, Sextone and Shasnan. This is an occupational name meaning 'the sacristan', a verger of the Church. This name is of Anglo-Saxon descent spreading to the Celtic countries of Ireland, Scotland and Wales in early times and is found in many mediaeval manuscripts throughout these countries. Examples of such are a Hugh Sacristan, County Kent, who was recorded in the 'Hundred Rolls', England, in the year 1273 and a Johannes de Saxton, who was recorded in the 'Poll Tax' of the West Riding of Yorkshire, in the year 1379. In Ireland Sexton is taken from the Gaelic O'Seasnain which is also anglicized Shasnan and is associated with County Clare. Eight Sextons have been Mayors in Limerick city, the most notable of whom was Edward Sexton, 1535, who, despite resisting Anglo influence, was liked by King Henry VIII.