Askew Surname: Origin, Meaning & Family History

The Meaning Behind Askew

Derived from the place name Aiskew in North Yorkshire, England, from the Old Norse 'eiki-skogr' meaning oak wood. The surname reflects Scandinavian settlement in northeastern England.

Tracing the Askew Lineage

The Askew surname has been part of the English landscape since the medieval period. The development of hereditary surnames in England accelerated after the Norman Conquest, as record-keeping became more systematic and families needed fixed identifiers for legal and property purposes.

Historical records trace the Askew surname to 13th century Yorkshire, England, with the name associated with Yorkshire, England. Parish records, tax rolls, and manorial documents from this period provide evidence of the family's presence and standing in their local communities. The geographic distribution of a surname often reveals important clues about a family's origins and the movements of their ancestors over the centuries.

The Askew family name appears in the records of the British gentry and peerage, with connections including The Askew family of Northumberland were established gentry, with Anne Askew becoming the only woman to be executed under Henry VIII for her religious beliefs, martyred in 1546.. While not every branch of a family held titles, the connection to the peerage system demonstrates the family's place within the broader social fabric of British history. Many families moved between the gentry and the titled aristocracy over the centuries, with fortunes rising and falling according to political allegiance, marriage alliances, and economic circumstances.

The Askew name has been carried by notable figures across a range of fields. These individuals represent just a fraction of the Askew legacy that continues to unfold.

Coat of Arms

Coats of arms were granted to specific individuals and their descendants, not to everyone sharing a surname. If you believe you may be entitled to bear the Askew arms, the College of Arms can help verify your lineage. Learn more in our guide: How Do I Find My Family Crest?

Peerage & Noble Ties

This surname has connections to the gentry and titled families throughout history.

• The Askew family of Northumberland were established gentry, with Anne Askew becoming the only woman to be executed under Henry VIII for her religious beliefs, martyred in 1546.

The Askew name features in records of the British peerage system, connecting this lineage to the aristocratic traditions that helped define British governance and society. To understand where these titles sit in the hierarchy, see our interactive peerage hierarchy chart.

Famous People Named Askew

Related Surnames

These surnames share a similar English origin and may have historical connections to the Askew family.

Explore England Lordship Cities

Discover the lordship history of cities connected to the Askew family's English heritage.