Oddy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Oddy is one of the many new names that came to England following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name Oddy comes from the popular Norman given name Odo.

Early Origins of the Oddy family

The surname Oddy was first found in Yorkshire where they held a family seat as Lords of the manor of Storkhouse, Gisburn, and Withernsea in that shire. They are conjecturally believed to be descended from Count Odo who was also ancestor of the Counts of Aumale and the Lords of Holderness.

Early History of the Oddy family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Oddy research. Another 67 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Oddy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Oddy Spelling Variations

Multitudes of spelling variations are a hallmark of Anglo Norman names. Most of these names evolved in the 11th and 12th century, in the time after the Normans introduced their own Norman French language into a country where Old and Middle English had no spelling rules and the languages of the court were French and Latin. To make matters worse, medieval scribes spelled words according to sound, so names frequently appeared differently in the various documents in which they were recorded. The name was spelled Oddie, Oddey, Odey, Oddy, Hoddy, Hoddie, Odo and many more.

Early Notables of the Oddy family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was

Edward Oddy of Kirby Malzeard

Oddy migration to the United States +

Because of this political and religious unrest within English society, many people decided to immigrate to the colonies. Families left for Ireland, North America, and Australia in enormous numbers, traveling at high cost in extremely inhospitable conditions. The New World in particular was a desirable destination, but the long voyage caused many to arrive sick and starving. Those who made it, though, were welcomed by opportunities far greater than they had known at home in England. Many of these families went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Oddy or a variant listed above:

Oddy Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Francis Oddy who settled in Annapolis Maryland in 1726

Oddy Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

M. Oddy, who settled in New York State in 1823
George Oddy, who settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1856
James Oddy, who settled in Philadelphia in 1866

Oddy migration to Australia +

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

Oddy Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Charles Oddy, aged 7, who arrived in South Australia in 1859 aboard the ship "Clara"
Emma Oddy, aged 14, a servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1859 aboard the ship "Clara"
Frederick Oddy, aged 1, who arrived in South Australia in 1859 aboard the ship "Clara"
Margaret Oddy, aged 43, a servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1859 aboard the ship "Clara"
Margaret Oddy, aged 12, a servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1859 aboard the ship "Clara"