LE MAISTRE
Also recorded as Le- Maistre, Lemaistre
Le Maistre
Le Maistre is a surname that traces its origins to France and is synonymous with the British Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey. The name is derived from the Old French word maitre, meaning "master" or "teacher," indicating a person who held a position of authority or expertise.
History and Origins
The Le Maistre surname is believed to have been brought to the British Isles during the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The progenitors of the Le Maistre family are thought to have settled in Jersey and Guernsey in the Channel Islands before spreading to England.
Notable Individuals
Sir Andrew Le Maistre (1804-1885)
Sir Andrew Le Maistre was a prominent British magistrate and legal expert known for his contributions to the legal system in the Channel Islands. He served as Bailiff of Jersey and was highly regarded for his work in upholding the rule of law in the region.
Dr. Elizabeth Le Maistre (b. 1965)
Dr. Elizabeth Le Maistre is a respected British historian and genealogist known for her research on the Le Maistre family history. Her works have shed light on the migration patterns and socio-political dynamics of the Le Maistre descendants in the British Isles.
Legacy
The Le Maistre surname continues to be prominent in the Channel Islands, particularly in legal, historical, and genealogical circles. The family's legacy of expertise, authority, and contribution to British society is reflected in the achievements of notable individuals bearing the surname.
There are approximately 103 people named Le Maistre in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Le Maistre.