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Poindexter Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Poindexter Surname

The surname Poindexter originates from the Jèrriais name "Poingdestre," which hails from the island of Jersey, situated between Britain and France. Over time, this name has become most commonly found in the United States, reflecting a journey that began in the early 16th century. The Poindexter name is unique and carries with it a lineage that ties back to its geographical roots in Jersey, offering a rich history that spans continents and centuries.

As the Poindexter surname evolved, it spread geographically and culturally, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries when many families migrated from the British Isles to North America. This migration was driven by the pursuit of new opportunities in trade and land ownership, which led to the establishment of significant Poindexter family branches in the United States. The surname has become intertwined with American history, as evidenced by the numerous notable individuals bearing the Poindexter name across various fields.

YourRoots data corroborates the historical narrative of the Poindexter family tree, highlighting its presence in England during the 16th century and noting significant migrations to North America in the centuries that followed. The YourRoots database provides insights into how these families branched out within the southern parts of England before establishing roots in the United States. This data enriches our understanding of Poindexter genealogy by confirming the surname's early English origins and its expansion across the Atlantic.

For genealogy enthusiasts and family-tree researchers, the YourRoots data offers a valuable resource for tracing the Poindexter family tree. By connecting modern descendants to their ancestral heritage, these records reveal the enduring legacy of the Poindexter name and provide a deeper appreciation for its historical journey from Jersey to the broader world.

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Tracing Your Poindexter Family Lineage

Origin of the Poindexter Family: Where does the Poindexter surname come from?

The Poindexter surname first appears in recorded history in England during the early 16th century, marking the beginning of a rich genealogical lineage. This early documentation connects to the family's roots, suggesting that the Poindexters likely began to establish their family trees in the fertile regions of the British Isles. As families began to grow, the Poindexter name became a point of identification, tying individuals to their ancestral heritage and community ties.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Poindexter

Throughout the 16th century, the Poindexter family began to spread, particularly within England. Key regions noted in the YourRoots database include areas in the southern part of the country, where families started to branch out and settle in new localities. By the 17th century, the Poindexter family had begun establishing deeper roots, forming new branches as members migrated for opportunities in trade and land ownership.

As the 18th century approached, the Poindexter lineage saw significant growth, particularly as families explored opportunities across the Atlantic. This period was marked by a migration to North America, where many Poindexters sought a new life and established their presence in the emerging United States. These migrations led to the proliferation of the surname, as families connected and intermarried with other settlers, further diversifying the Poindexter family tree.

Tracing the Poindexter Family Tree Through the Centuries

The expansion of the Poindexter surname continued robustly into the 19th century, where a notable concentration of records can be found in the United States. Families that had settled in North America began to grow significantly, with branches extending across various states, reflecting the broader migration patterns of the time. By the 20th century, the Poindexter name had established itself not only in the United States but also in other countries, showcasing a global presence as descendants migrated to new territories.

In the modern era, the Poindexter surname remains widely distributed, with records appearing in diverse regions across the globe. The continued exploration of family genealogy has allowed descendants to uncover their roots, connecting their family histories back to the early origins in England. Readers are encouraged to delve into the YourRoots database to discover their own connections to the Poindexter lineage and further enrich their family tree.

Famous People with Poindexter (and Their Family Tree)

John Poindexter

John Marlan Poindexter, born on August 12, 1936, is a prominent figure in U.S. military and government service, having served as a United States naval officer and Department of Defense official. Notably, he was the National Security Advisor during the Reagan administration, playing crucial roles in major initiatives like the Strategic Defense Initiative and the Reykjavík Summit. He was later involved in the Iran–Contra affair, leading to his 1990 conviction, which was reversed in 1991. Additionally, he contributed to the George W. Bush administration as the director of the DARPA Information Awareness Office. His legacy also includes his son, Alan G. Poindexter, a NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy Captain.

John Poindexter was born in Odon, Indiana, to Marlan G. and Ellen (Sommers) Poindexter. His education began at the United States Naval Academy, where he graduated first in his class. Furthering his academic pursuits, he obtained an MS and PhD in nuclear physics from the California Institute of Technology, conducting research alongside Nobel Laureate Rudolf Mössbauer. His family's legacy of service continues with his son, Alan G. Poindexter, who followed his father's footsteps into the U.S. Navy and NASA.

Camilla Poindexter

Camilla Poindexter is an American reality TV star and model, renowned for her vibrant presence on Oxygen network's "Bad Girls Club" season eight and its spin-off "Love Games: Bad Girls Need Love Too." Poindexter's television journey includes "Bad Girls All Star Battle," NBC's "Momma's Boys," and a memorable stint on "America's Next Top Model" Cycle 10. Her dynamic personality and memorable catchphrases have made her a fan favorite. Poindexter also co-hosted various "Bad Girls Club" specials and appeared in a Smurfs 2 commercial, demonstrating her versatility and appeal in reality television.

Camilla Poindexter was born and raised in Long Beach, California. She is a mother of three children, one of whom she shares with NFL player Donald Penn.

Larry Poindexter

Larry Poindexter, born on December 16, 1959, in Dallas, Texas, is a renowned American actor and singer. He gained fame for his role as LAPD Captain Tom Fuller in the 2003 film S.W.A.T. and appeared in the ABC soap opera General Hospital as the controversial character Asher Thomas. Poindexter showcased his versatility in various TV shows, including JAG, Santa Barbara, Days of Our Lives, Quantum Leap, How I Met Your Mother, and Friends. In addition to his acting career, he was the lead singer of the alternative country band The High Lonesome in the 1990s and produced The Cher Show at the Neil Simon Theatre in 2018/19.

Larry Poindexter comes from a creative background; his father, H. R. Poindexter, was a Tony Award-winning light and set designer. In his personal life, Larry is married to Carol Kritzer, a casting director, and together they have twin sons.

Alan G. Poindexter

Alan G. Poindexter was a distinguished American naval officer and NASA astronaut, known for his contributions to space exploration. Selected for NASA's 1998 Group, he piloted the STS-122 mission, delivering the European Space Agency's Columbus Laboratory to the International Space Station in 2008. Poindexter also commanded the STS-131 mission in 2010, focusing on the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module. With over 4,000 flight hours across 30 aircraft types, his military career included key roles such as test pilot and lead for the F-14 Digital Flight Control System. His leadership and expertise were highly regarded within NASA, where he served as a CAPCOM and lead support astronaut.

Alan G. Poindexter was born in Pasadena, California, to parents John and Linda Poindexter. He considered Rockville, Maryland, his hometown. Poindexter married Lisa A. Pfeiffer from Gulf Breeze, Florida, and together they had two children.

Miles Poindexter

Miles Poindexter (1868–1946) was a prominent American lawyer and politician, known for his significant contributions as a Republican and Progressive Party member. He served as a U.S. representative from 1909 to 1911 and as a U.S. senator from 1911 to 1923 for Washington. Poindexter also held roles as a U.S. Ambassador to Peru and chaired several Senate committees, including Expenditures in the Interior Department and Mines and Mining. His political career was marked by his stance during World War I, where he challenged the patriotism of German-Americans and played a role in the First Red Scare.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Miles Poindexter was the son of Josephine (Anderson) and William B. Poindexter, a Confederate States Army veteran. Raised in Virginia, he attended Fancy Hill Academy and graduated from Washington and Lee University. In 1892, Poindexter married Elizabeth Gale Page, granddaughter of Joseph Gale. They had one son, Gale Aylett Poindexter. Poindexter remarried Elinor Jackson Junkin Latane in 1936.

Poindexter Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Poindexter" originates from the island of Jersey, situated between Britain and France, where it is traditionally spelled as "Poingdestre." It is most commonly found in the United States today.

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Poindexter

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Poindexter family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Poindexter surname to learn more.