Dockrey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The name Dockrey has a history dating as far back as the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It was a name for a trapper of small game; it literally means "cut the hare's tail," from the Old English words dokc, which meant "cut off," and hare, a word that has not changed meaning.

Early Origins of the Dockrey family

The surname Dockrey was first found in Cumberland 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 Dockrey family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Dockrey research. Another 83 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Dockrey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Dockrey Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Dockrey have been found, including Docker, Dockwra, Dockray, Dockwray, Dockrell and many more.

Early Notables of the Dockrey family

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

Migration of the Dockrey family to Ireland

Some of the Dockrey family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Dockrey family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Dockrey, or a variant listed above: John Docker who settled in Virginia in 1623; as well as Harry, James, and William Docker, who all arrived in Philadelphia between 1850 and 1870.

The Dockrey 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: Semper eadem
Motto Translation: Always the same.