Welcome to The Stamper One-Name Study!

This study was founded by Jesse Stamper in October 2018 who registered the surname with the Guild of One-Name Studies for the purpose of identifying and tracing all Stamper families throughout the world. 

This study was founded by Jesse Stamper, a descendant of John Stamper (1647-1690) who emigrated to Middlesex County, Virginia in 1666 from Millbeck, Crosthwaite Parish, Cumberland, England. Over 95% of Stampers in the United States today are descendants of John. 

Please visit our website at: http://stamper.one-name.net. For questions or comments, please contact Jesse Stamper at: stamper@one-name.org

The earliest record mentioning the Stamper surname dates from the 1200s. Since that time, some variations of the surname have appeared. Examples include Stamp, Stampar, Stampford, etc. 

Stamper is an English surname probably of occupational origin. The earliest use of the surname that we've found to date is for John Stamper whose name appears in the Hundred Rolls for Cambridgeshire in the late 1200s. Further research has revealed the name in Cumberland (1465), Yorkshire (1496), Norfolk (1543), London (1546), Kent (1551), Lincolnshire (1559), Sussex (1593), Nottinghamshire (1601), Lancashire (1605), Essex (1622), and Durham (1640). Historically, the main clusters were in Cumbria, Yorkshire, and Lincolnshire. 

Patronymica Britannica: A Dictionary of the Family Names of the United Kingdom (1860) by Mark A. Lower.

STAMPER. Probably some mechanical employment.

A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, (1901) by Charles Wareing Bardsley.

STAMPER: Occup. ‘the stamper,’ probably a stamper of coins, a mint-man.

John Stamper, co. Camb., 1273. A.

Robert Stamper, co. York: W.16.

1658. Married — John James and Anne Stamper: St. Thomas the Apostle (London), p. 20.

1699-1700. Robert Stamper and Ann Man: Marriage Lic. (Faculty Office), p. 235.

London 1; MDB (co. Camb.), 9; Philadelphia, 1.

References: A (Hundred Rolls, 1273); W.16. (Surtees Society Publication: Depositions from York Castle; MDB (Modern Domesday Book, 1873); London (London Commercial Directories, 1870); Philadelphia (Philadelphia Directory, 1885, James Gopsill & Sons).

British Family Names: Their Origin and Meaning (1903) by Henry Barber.

STAMPER: From the Danish, Stampe; from the Dutch, Stamperius; from the Flemish, Stampaert; in the Domesday Book, Stamp; a personal name.

Family Names and Their Story (1910) by S. Baring-Gould.

STAMPER, the official who put the stamp either on tin or the nobler metals. It has been corrupted into Stammer. (p. 145)

Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary (1969) by Henry Harrison.

STAMPER: (Eng.) POUNDER; THRASHER; PRINTER; MINTER [M.E. stamper(e; f. M.E. stampen, O.E. stempan, to stamp, pound] John Stamper.—Hund. Rolls. (p. 183)

[References: f = from; M.E. (Middle English); O.E. (Old English).]

Yorkshire Surnames and the Hearth Tax Returns of 1672-73 (2002) by David Hey & George Redmonds.

North Yorkshire also had its rare occupational names which were confined to particular districts. Stamper, for example, may have originated in East Anglia but it occurs in York from the late 1400s and soon afterwards in Malton, where it appears to have expanded, if only modestly. In 1672-73 it was restricted to 7 households (4 in Malton and 1 each in nearby Normanby and in the market towns of Helmsley and Guisborough). (p. 13)

Dictionary of American Family Names (2013) by Oxford University Press.

English: from the agent derivative of Middle English stampen ‘to stamp’; probably an occupational name for a worker at a mint, someone who stamped coins.

A Dictionary of Yorkshire Surnames (2015) by George Redmonds.

STAMPER: It derives from the verb "to stamp" and is likely to be occupational in origin. In the 14th century the word was used in connection with threshing, crushing grapes, braying and pounding more generally, but the meaning of the by-name remains uncertain. The main home of Stamper in 1881 was the north-west, and Cumberland was the county with the largest total, followed by Lancashire. There was another smaller group in Lincolnshire but it was uncommon in Yorkshire except for one cluster in the Malton district. It has a long history there and in York: 1496 Richard Stamper, 1558 John Stamper, York, (SS96); 1572, William Stamper, New Malton (YRS19/148); 1673 Richard Stamper, New Malton (HT).

The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland (2016) edited by Patrick Hanks, Richard Coates, & Peter McClure.

STAMPER

Variants: Stamp

Current frequencies: GB 899, Ireland 7

GB frequency 1881: 676

Main GB location 1881: Cumb and Lancs; also Durham; Lincs.

English: occupational name from Middle English sta(u)mpere, recorded only in the sense ‘one who treads grapes’ but possibly also denoting one who crushes or pounds ingredients, or who threshes grain.

Early bearers: John Stamper, 1279 in Hundred Rolls (Cambs); Richard Stamper, 1496, John Stamper, 1558 in York Freeman’s Register; John Stamper, 1524 in Subsidy Rolls (Suffolk); William Stamper, 1544 in IGI (Aberford, WR Yorks); Anthonii Stamper, 1551 in IGI (Howden, ER Yorks); William Stamper, 1572 in York Registry Wills (New Malton, NR Yorks); John Stamper, 1574 in IGI (Gainsborough, Lincs); Cudbert Stamper, 1587 in IGI (Whitgift, WR Yorks); Adam Stamper, 1595 in IGI (Holme Cultram, Cumb); Thom Stamper, 1604 in IGI (Arundel, Sussex); John Stamper, 1653 in York Freeman’s Register; Fra. Stamper, 1671 in Parish Registers (Rothwell, WR Yorks). (p. 2529)

The following is a partial list of Stamper records from English and American sources. 

13th century 

• John Stamper was living in Cambridgeshire in the late 1200s (Source: Rotuli Hundredorum or Hundred Rolls).

15th century

• John Stamper was granted a messuage with buildings called Preste Croft in Cumberland on 6 July 1465 by King Edward IV (Source: Patent Rolls of Edward IV A.D. 1461-1467).
• Ricardus Stamper, a tailor, was living in Yorkshire in 1496 (Source: Admissions to the Freedom of York).

16th century

• John Stamper of Newbiggin, Yorkshire, plaintiff, versus Thomas Relf, priest, and John Relf, defendants in Stamper vs. Relf, regarding the "forcible ouster from a messuage and land held of the prior of Carlisle." Cumberland, 1515-1518 (Source: National Archives).
• Hugh Stamper, delivered a letter in 1537. Other records show that he was bailiff of the liberties of Holm Cultram, Cumberland.
• John Stamper was christened 9 February 1543 at Norwich, Norfolk to Nicholas Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Johannes Stamper was christened 11 October 1543 at Howden, Yorkshire to Richard Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Matthew Stamper was christened 28 October 1548 at Aberford, Yorkshire to William Stamper (Source: IGI).
• James Stamper was christened on 30 March 1551 at Dover, Kent to Thomas Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Thomas Stamper was christened 14 October 1551 at Howden, Yorkshire to Guiliemlmi Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Janeta Stamper was christened on 30 October 1551 at Howden, Yorkshire to Anthonii Stamper (Source: IGI). 
• Katherina Stamper was christened 24 February 1553 at Howden, Yorkshire to Robert Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Alicia Stamper was christened 28 July 1555 at Howden, Yorkshire to Johannis Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Christopher Stamper, innkeeper, of Boston, Lincolnshire estate inventoried 1555/6 (Source: Lincolnshire Archives).
• Ullrig Stamper & Janet Atkinson were married 8 May 1569 at Crosthwaite, Cumberland (Source: IGI).
• Robertus Stamper was christened 3 July 1569 at Howden, Yorkshire to Thomas Patricke alias Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Hugh Stamper was christened 12 February 1574 at Gainsborough, Lincolnshire to Robert Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Johes Stamper was christened 21 November 1579 at Boston, Lincolnshire to Xpoferi Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Margaret Stamper was christened 3 July 1580 at North Burton, Yorkshire to Thomas Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Susan Stamper was christened 21 January 1581 at Blean, Kent to James Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Elline Stamper was christened 16 September 1582 at Westow, Yorkshire to John Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Chitye Stamper & Jo Bell were married 4 November 1582 at Holme Cultram, Cumberland (Source: IGI). 
• Oswald Stamper was christened 1 January 1584 at Gainsborough, Lincolnshire to Nycho. Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Gracia Stamper was christened 16 July 1586 at Boston, Lincolnshire to Rici Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Valantine Stamper was christened 14 February 1589 at Doddington, Lincolnshire to Roger Stamper (Source: IGI).
• John Stamper was christened 8 April 1593 at Tangmere, Sussex to Thomas Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Adam Stamper was christened 2 December 1595 at Holme Cultram, Cumberland to Jo. Stamper (Source: IGI).
• John Stamper was christened 20 November 1597 at Westow, Yorkshire to Robarti Stamper (Source: IGI).
• John Stamper was christened 30 December 1599 at North Scarle, Lincolnshire to Richard Stamper (Source: IGI).

17th century

• Susanna Stamper was christened 17 April 1601 at North Wheatley, Nottinghamshire to John Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Janet Stamper was christened 15 July 1604 at Camerton, Cumberland to Richard Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Steven Stamper was christened 28 December 1606 at Arundel, Sussex to Thomas Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Francis Stamper was christened 10 January 1607 at Westow, Yorkshire to Roberti Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Thoms Stamper was christened December 17, 1608 at Howden, Yorkshire to Robert Patrick alias Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Helene Stamper was christened 17 June 1609 at North Scarle, Lincolnshire to Richard Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Elizeabeth Stamper was christened 15 April 1616 at East Malling, Kent to Rycharde Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Anne Stamper was christened 16 February 1622 at Great Burstead, Essex to William & Susan Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Issabella Stamper was christened 5 February 1625 at Westow, Yorkshire to Christopheri Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Michaell Stamper was christened 26 October 1630 at Chichester, Sussex to Will. Stamper (Source: IGI).
• John Stamper christened 9 April 1631 at North Scarle, Lincolnshire to John Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Judith Stamper was christened 18 January 1634 at Stepney, London to Hugh & Elizab Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Steven Stamper was christened 1 July 1634 at Chichester, Sussex to Steven Stamper (Source: IGI).
• John Stamper was christened 18 August 1636 at St. Leonard, New Malton, Yorkshire to Thomas Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Jeneta Stamper was christened 9 March 1637 at Saint Bees, Cumberland to Thomae Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Thomas Stamper was christened 4 June 1637 at Cockermouth, Cumberland to William Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Elizabeth Stamper was christened 7 April 1640 at Staindrop, County Durham to John & Margaret Stamper (Source: IGI).
• William Stamper was High Collector of Chichester, Sussex, March 1641.
• Mabell Stamper was christened 10 July 1645 at Crosthwaite, Cumberland to Phillip & Weniffryd Stamper (Source: IGI).
• John Stamper was christened 16 May 1647 at Crosthwaite, Cumberland to Philip & Winifryde Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Anthony Stamper was christened 24 May 1651 at Crosthwaite, Cumberland to Philippe & Winifryde Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Francis Stamper was christened 13 October 1653 at Rothwell, Yorkshire to Francis Stamper (Source: IGI).
• George Stamper was christened 16 July 1654 at Crosthwaite, Cumberland to Philipp & Winifride Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Daniell Stamper was christened 31 July 1654 at Caldbeck, Cumberland to Heugh Stamper (Source: IGI).
• John Stamper was christened 17 November 1655 at Crosthwaite, Cumberland to John & Issabell Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Dorothie Stamper was christened 31 December 1658 at Yorkshire to John Stamper (Source: IGI).
• John Stamper (c.1640-1690) was living in Lancaster County, Virginia in 1666. Listed Stamford in the original (Source: Lancaster County, Virginia Court Orders, Tithables List, 14 November 1666).
• Dorcas Stamper, wife of John Stamper, was buried 16 July 1667 at Christ Church Parish, Lancaster County, Virginia (Source: Christ Church Parish Register).
• Petrus Stamper was christened 27 December 1672 at Aspatrick, Cumberland to John Stamper (Source: IGI).
• John Stamper, Jr., was born 29 August 1677 to John and Elizabeth Stamper in Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, Virginia. He was the first recorded Stamper born on American soil (Source: Christ Church Parish Register).
• Jeremiah Stamper was christened 3 April 1687 (?) at Bromfield, Cumberland to Cuthbert Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Hester Stamper was christened 29 August 1690 at Bolton Parish, Cumberland to Thomas Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Mary Stamper was christened 24 September 1693 at Pardshaw, Cumberland to John Stamper (Source: IGI).

18th century

• Joseph Stamper was christened 16 October 1700 at Ireby, Cumberland to George Stamper (Source: IGI).
• Powell Stampar and Mary Brookes were married 10 April 1708 at Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, Virginia (Source: Christ Church Parish Register). 
• Powell Stamper died 22 May 1727 at Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, Virginia (Source: Christ Church Parish Register). 
• Jonathan Stamper, Sr., wrote his will 17 December 1793, probated April 1799 in Wilkes County, North Carolina (Source: Eastern Kentucky Stamper Kin). 

19th century

• Richard Stamper, wrote his will 3 June 1830, was Captain in the Service of the Honorable East India Company of Bombay, East Indies (Source: The National Archives).

Some of the more noteworthy bearers of the name:

• John Stamper, Esq., was the 62nd Mayor of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1759. He was a merchant trader with the West Indies. He built the “Blackwell House” in Philadelphia (Source: The Philadelphia City Archives). 
• Finis McLean Stamper (1861-1927) founded F. M. Stamper Co. in 1898. In 1970, the company was sold and renamed Banquet Foods Co. (Globe-Democrat, 5 June 1979)
• Harold Jack Stamper (1889-1939) was an English amateur football (soccer) player who competed in the 1912 Summer Olympics (Source: Wikipedia).
• Malcolm T. Stamper (1925-2005) was President of Boeing and known for leading 50,000 people in the race to build the Boeing 747 (Source: Wikipedia).
• John Trevor Stamper (1926-2003) was a British aeronautical engineer who was Corporate Technical Director of British Aerospace from 1977 to 1985 and chief designer of the Blackburn Buccaneer strike aircraft (Source: Wikipedia).
• Art Stamper (1933-2005) legendary master fiddler and inductee in the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame (Source: www.artstamper.com). 
• Ronald K. (Ron) Stamper (born 1934) is a British computer scientist, formerly a researcher in the LSE and Emeritus Professor at the University of Twente, known for his pioneering work in Organizational semiotics, and the creation of the MEASUR methodology and the SEDITA framework (Source: Wikipedia).
• Judith Stamper (1952-) English television presenter and academic. Born in Cockermouth, Cumberland (Source: Wikipedia).

Stamper and its variants are moderately rare surnames in England and the United States. In the 1881 Census, there were 679 occurrences of the name with the top area in Carlisle, Cumberland. Clusters were also present in Lincolnshire, Lancashire, Durham, and Yorkshire. 

In the 1998 Census, there were 837 occurrences of the name with the top area again in Carlisle, Cumbria. 

Mostly from Vital Records and census records.  

Please visit the Stamper DNA Project at FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA): https://www.familytreedna.com/groups/stamper-dna-project/about

Please also visit YSEQ: https://www.yseq.net/product_info.php?currency=GBP&products_id=94289&osCsid=8ce55edf2cc6b1a895f536f8a37fe75d

Stamper Genealogy Resources:

Stamper Family Project (USA)

Stamper Family Project on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/StamperFamilyProject/

Stamper DNA Analysis Resources: 

Stamper DNA Project at FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA) - https://www.familytreedna.com/groups/stamper-dna-project/about

English Genealogy Resources: 

Great Britain Family Names Profiling - https://named.publicprofiler.org/

Lincs to the Past (Lincolnshire History & Genealogy) - https://www.lincstothepast.com/

National Archives (UK) - www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/