Show ContentsBotting History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The ancestry of the name Botting can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is a name for a maker of buttons. The surname Botting was originally derived from the Old French word boton, the name for a maker and seller of buttons.

Early Origins of the Botting family

The surname Botting was first found in Sussex, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Botting family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Botting research. Another 251 words (18 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1317, 1327, 1500, 1568, 1578, 1589 and 1683 are included under the topic Early Botting History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Botting Spelling Variations

Botting 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 Botting have been found, including Botten, Button, Boton, Botun, Buttone, Botting and others.

Early Notables of the Botting family

More information is included under the topic Early Botting Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Botting migration to the United States +

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 Bottings to arrive on North American shores:

Botting Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Henry Botting who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1773

Australia Botting migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Botting Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Robert William Botting, who arrived in Kangaroo Bay aboard the ship "Tam O'Shanter" in 1836 1
  • Frederick Botting, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Buckinghamshire" in 1839 2
  • Margaret Botting, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Buckinghamshire" in 1839 2
  • Francis Joseph Botting, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Buckinghamshire" in 1839 2

New Zealand Botting migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Botting Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Mr. John Botting, (b. 1851), aged 23, English settler from Essex travelling from London aboard the ship "Sussex" arriving in Port Chalmers, Dunedin, Otago, South Island, New Zealand on 17th July 1874 3

Contemporary Notables of the name Botting (post 1700) +

  • Ralph Wayne Botting (b. 1955), American former Major League Baseball pitcher
  • Douglas Scott Botting (1934-2018), English explorer, author, biographer and TV presenter and producer from Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
  • Elizabeth Louise Botting CBE (b. 1939), English presenter of BBC Radio 4
  • Anna Elizabeth Botting (b. 1967), English news anchor with Sky News
  • Richard John Botting, Professor, Computer Science at California State University, San Bernardino
  • Steve Botting (b. 1959), Canadian Olympic sprint canoer
  • Graham Stuart Botting (1915-2007), New Zealand cricketer
  • Cameron Allan Botting (b. 1954), Canadian professional NHL ice hockey forward
  • Douglas Botting (b. 1934), British explorer, author, biographer and TV presenter
  • William Botting Hemsley FRS (1843-1924), British botanist and 1909 Victoria Medal of Honour recipient


  1. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) TAM O'SHANTER - 1836. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1836TamOShanter.htm
  2. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) BUCKINGHAMSHIRE 1839. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1839Buckinghamshire.htm
  3. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html


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