Dodd History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Wales
Ireland

The surname Dodd is a Welsh name of old Celtic origin. The surname is from one of the various related Old English personal names Dodd, Dodda, Dudd, or Dudda, which were all in common use until the 14th century "from Lincolnshire to Devonshire and from Essex to Lancashire." 1 2 3 4

Early Origins of the Dodd family

The surname Dodd was first found in Worcestershire where the Latin form Brictricus filius Doddi was registered as holding lands in the Domesday Book of 1086. 5 The Domesday also includes an entry for Aluric Dodd in Dorset. Balterus filius Dudde, Walterus Dudde were both Old English Bynames in Worcestershire in the 11th century. Ælfweard Dudd was listed as another Old English Byname in Hampshire c. 1030. 1

As a forename Dodde de Lismanoch was found in the Pipe Rolls for Devon in 1194. Æluric Doddes was recorded in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk c. 1095. Johannes filius Dode was found in the Subsidy Rolls for Lancashire in 1332. 1

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 proved the widespread use of the name in many counties at that time: Benedict Dod, Northamptonshire; Peter Dod, Oxfordshire; Richard Dod, Cambridgeshire; and William Dod, Salop (Shropshire.) 4

George Ormerod (1785-1873) wrote the following about the family: "About the time of Henry II., Hova, son of Cadwgan Dot, married the daughter and heiress of the Lord of Edge, with whom he had the fourth of that manor. It is probable that the Lord of Edge was son of Edwin, who before the Conquest was sole proprietor of eight manors; we may call him a Saxon thane. It appears by Domesday that Dot was the Saxon lord of sixteen manors, from which all of which he was ejected; we may presume he was identical with Cadwgan Dot."

Early History of the Dodd family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Dodd research. Another 114 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1549, 1550, 1630, 1645, 1652, 1664, 1665, 1671, 1672, 1683, 1693, 1716, 1717, 1719, 1729, 1743, 1754, 1777 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Dodd History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Dodd Spelling Variations

There are relatively few surnames native to Wales, but they have an inordinately large number of spelling variations. Early variations of Welsh surnames can be explained by the fact that very few people in the early Middle Ages were literate. Priests and the few other literate people were responsible for recording names in official documents. And because most people could not specific how to properly record their names it was up to the individual recorder of that time to determine how a spoken name should be recorded. Variations due to the imprecise or improper recording of a name continued later in history when names originally composed in the Brythonic Celtic, language of Wales, known by natives as Cymraeg, were transliterated into English. Welsh names that were documented in English often changed dramatically since the native language of Wales, which was highly inflected, did not copy well. Occasionally, however, spelling variations were carried out according to an individual's specific design: a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations could be indicated by minor variations. The spelling variations of the name Dodd have included Dodd, Dod, Dot, Dodds, Dods and others.

Early Notables of the Dodd family

Prominent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was

Henry Dod (1550?-1630?), was an English poet, of the old family of Dod, or Doddes, Cheshire. 6
Charles Dodd (1672-1743), was a Catholic divine, whose real name was Hugh Tootel, born in 1672 at Durton-in-Broughton, near Preston, Lancashire
Sir Samuel Dodd (1652-1716), was a judge, of a Cheshire family settled at Little Budworth, but born in London in 1652, was the son of Ralph Dodd. He is probably identical with the 'Saml. Dod' who ente...
John Dodd (c. 1693-1719), was an English politician, Member of Parliament for Wells, Somerset (1717 to 1719); and William Dodd (1729-1777), was English Anglican clergyman and a man of letters. Nicknam...

Dodd World Ranking

In the United States, the name Dodd is the 1,064^th most popular surname with an estimated 27,357 people with that name. 7 However, in Australia, the name Dodd is ranked the 516^th most popular surname with an estimated 7,417 people with that name. 8 And in New Zealand, the name Dodd is the 584^th popular surname with an estimated 1,223 people with that name. 9 The United Kingdom ranks Dodd as 391^st with 16,529 people. 10

Migration of the Dodd family to Ireland

Some of the Dodd family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 73 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Dodd migration to the United States +

During the latter half of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, the people of Wales journeyed to North America to find a new life. They made major contributions to the arts, industry and commerce of both Canada and the United States, and added a rich cultural heritage to their newly adopted societies. A look at the immigration and passenger lists has shown a number of people bearing the name Dodd:

Dodd Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

James Dodd, aged 16, British settler who landed in New England in 1635 aboard the ship "Abigail" 11
Jon Dodd, who arrived in Virginia in 1642 11
Tho Dodd, who landed in Virginia in 1642 11
Peter Dodd, who landed in Maryland in 1680 11

Dodd Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

William Dodd, who arrived in Georgia in 1737 11
Mathew, Dodd, who arrived in America in 1760-1763 11
Richard Dodd who settled in August County Virginia in 1760

Dodd Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

David Dodd, who landed in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1802 11
William H Dodd, who landed in New York in 1808 11
John Dodd, who arrived in America in 1809 11
Adam Dodd, aged 18, who landed in New York in 1812 11
Anthony Dodd, aged 43, who arrived in New York in 1812 11
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Dodd migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Dodd Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Mr. John Dodge Jr., U.E. who settled in Charlotee County, New Brunswick c. 1784 member of the Cape Ann Association 12

Dodd migration to Australia +

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

Dodd Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. Richard Dodd, (b. 1785), aged 35, English labourer who was convicted in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England for life, transported aboard the "Elizabeth" on 11th August 1820, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1834 13
James Dodd, English convict from London, who was transported aboard the "Albion" on May 17, 1823, settling in Van Diemen's Land, Australia 14
William Dodd, English convict from Middlesex, who was transported aboard the "Asia" on October 22nd, 1824, settling in New South Wales, Australia 15
William Dodd, a joiner, who arrived in Van Diemen’s Land (now Tasmania) sometime between 1825 and 1832
John Dodd Jr., English convict from Warwick, who was transported aboard the "Albion" on September 21, 1826, settling in New South Wales, Australia 16
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Dodd 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:

Dodd Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Richard N. Dodd, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Joseph Fletcher" in 1855 17
Mr. Richard N. Dodd, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Joseph Fletcher" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 17th October 1855 17
Mr. Dodd, British settler travelling from London, UK aboard the ship "Bahia" arriving in Lyttelton, South Island, New Zealand on 7th December 1863 17
Charles Dodd, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Claramont" in 1863
Mary Ann Dodd, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Claramont" in 1863
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Dodd migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 18

Dodd Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Geo Dodd, aged 17, who arrived in Barbados in 1635 11
Mr. George Dodd, (b. 1618), aged 17, British settler traveling aboard the ship "Matthew" arriving in St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 19

Contemporary Notables of the name Dodd (post 1700) +

Sir Kenneth Arthur 'Ken" Dodd OBE (1927-2018), English comedian and singer songwriter, best known for his live stand-up performances 20
Robert Lee "Bobby" Dodd (1908-1988), American college football coach at Georgia Tech, inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame
Christopher John "Chris" Dodd (b. 1944), American lawyer, lobbyist, and Democratic Party politician
Moses Woodruff Dodd (1813-1899), American publisher who founded what would later become Dodd, Mead and Company in New York City
Molly Dodd (1921-1981), American actress
Marcie Dodd (b. 1978), American stage actress and singer
Claire Dodd (1908-1973), American actress
Sonora Smart Dodd (1882-1978), American activist and founder of Father's Day
Stephen Dodd (b. 1966), Welsh professional golfer
Charles Harold "C.H." Dodd (1884-1973), Welsh New Testament scholar and Protestant theologian
... (Another 14 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Dodd family +

Empress of Ireland

Mrs. Violet Dodd (1888-1914), née Howson Canadian Second Class Passenger from Toronto, Ontario, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 21
Captain John Dodd (1886-1914), Canadian Second Class Passenger from Toronto, Ontario, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 21

HMS Hood

Mr. Henry Dodd (b. 1920), English Stoker 1st Class serving for the Royal Navy from Chester-le-Street, County Durham, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 22

HMS Repulse

Mr. Albert R Dodd, British Boy, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 23

RMS Lusitania

Miss Dorothy Dodd, Canadian 2nd Class passenger from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and survived the sinking 24

RMS Titanic

Mr. George Charles Dodd (d. 1912), aged 44, English Steward from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 25
Mr. Edward Charles Dodd (d. 1912), aged 38, English Junior 3rd Engineer from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 25

The Dodd 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: In copia cautus
Motto Translation: Careful amid plenty.

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 3rd March 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/elizabeth
State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Albion voyage to Van Diemen's Land, Australia in 1823 with 200 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/albion/1823
State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Asia 1 voyage to Van Diemen's Land, Australia in 1824 with 9 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/asia/1824
State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Albion voyage to New South Wales, Australia in 1826 with 192 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/albion/1826
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's (Retrieved October 4th 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Kenneth Dodd. (Retrieved 2010, September 27) Kenneth Dodd. Retrieved from http://www.kendoddshows.com/
Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 16) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour, Men Lost in the Sinking of H.M.S. Hood, 24th May 1941. (Retrieved 2016, July 15) . Retrieved from http://www.hmshood.com/crew/memorial/roh_24may41.htm
HMS Repulse Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listrepulsecrew.html
Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 7) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
Titanic Passenger List - Titanic Facts. (Retrieved 2016, July 13) . Retrieved from http://www.titanicfacts.net/titanic-passenger-list.html