Show ContentsBetto History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Betto is an ancient Anglo-Saxon name that is derived from the Welsh name ap-Eddow meaning son of Eddow. 1 Over time, this has changed to be known as Betto.

Early Origins of the Betto family

The surname Betto was first found in Shropshire where one of the first records of the family was Bedo ap Richard, recorded in 1493. Later, Johanna Bedowe (1577) and John Beddoe (1641) were recorded. 2

Early History of the Betto family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Betto research. Another 127 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1577, 1578, 1621, 1650, 1674 and 1680 are included under the topic Early Betto History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Betto Spelling Variations

Betto has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Betto have been found, including Beddow, Beddoe, Bedoe, Bedow, Bedows, Bedlow and many more.

Early Notables of the Betto family

Notables of this surname at this time include: William Bedloe (1650-1680), "dishonest adventurer and 'evidence' in the Popish plot, was born on 20 April 1650, at midday, at Chepstow. We must receive with doubt whatever he reported of his family, his boastfulness and unveracity being notorious; but he 'always kept a diary of his most remarkable adventures for the space of ten years together...
Another 64 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Betto Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Betto family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Bettos to arrive on North American shores: William Beddo who settled in Virginia in 1727; Alice Bedow settled in Virginia in 1660; Andrew Bedow landed in America in 1660; John Bedow settled in Barbados in 1660..



The Betto Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Qui Invidet Minor Est
Motto Translation: He who envies is inferior


  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


Houseofnames.com on Facebook