Show ContentsDevone History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Anglo-Saxon name Devone comes from the family having resided near a body of water derived from the Old English word that means deep waters.

Early Origins of the Devone family

The surname Devone was first found in Sussex where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Devone family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Devone research. Another 70 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Devone History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Devone Spelling Variations

Devone 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. Spelling variants included: Devenish, Devonish, Devanay, Devenay, Deveney, Devenney, Devenny, O'Devanny, O'Devenish, O'Devonish and many more.

Early Notables of the Devone family

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

Ireland Migration of the Devone family to Ireland

Some of the Devone family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 54 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Devone 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 Devones to arrive on North American shores: John Devenish who settled in Barbados in 1680 with his wife, two children, and servants; another John settled in New England in 1678; Hugh, Daniel, John, Michael, Samuel, Thomas, and William Devenney, all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1870..


Contemporary Notables of the name Devone (post 1700) +

  • Lokelani Devone, American Democratic Party politician, Member, Platform Committee, Democratic National Convention, 1988 1
  • Natravis DeVone Claybrooks (b. 1977), former professional American football defensive tackle in the National Football League


The Devone 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: Spero et captivus nitor
Motto Translation: I hope, and though a captive I strive.


  1. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, November 17) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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