Origin and Meaning of the Name Anstey

There have been links back to the 12 century in England for the name Anstey and there are towns in England named Anstey. It is thought that the name originated in Devon, England. It does appear that the town name was taken by some men that lived there and dispersed around England. It is widely thought that it is not a Celtic name thereby discounting the Irish origin theory. It is a well travelled name with Anstey clans all over the world, in particular USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.