Show ContentsBettoe History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The origins of the name Bettoe are with the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from the Welsh name ap-Eddow meaning son of Eddow. 1 Over time, this has changed to be known as Bettoe.

Early Origins of the Bettoe family

The surname Bettoe 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 Bettoe family

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

Bettoe Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Bettoe has been spelled many different ways, including Beddow, Beddoe, Bedoe, Bedow, Bedows, Bedlow and many more.

Early Notables of the Bettoe 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 Bettoe Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Bettoe family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Bettoes to arrive in North America: 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 Bettoe 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