First found in the counties of Oxfordshire, Huntingdon, Bedfordshire and Cambridge from very ancient times. The family was in this area before the Norman Conquest of England by Duke William of Normandy in 1066 AD Alfwoldus Abbas (1111-17,) is one such example of a man who was a holder of the monasterial office of Abbot. It is also assumed that the name may have been a source of several more surnames at a later date. Walter Abat was recorded in The Assize Rolls for Yorkshire in 1219. Peter le Abbot (the Abbot) of Essex is documented in the records of the Hornchurch priory, and is also mention of Ralph Abbod in the Assize Rolls for Somerset in 1272.

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 Abbotts to arrive on North American shores: George Abbot of Andover Massachusetts born in Yorkshire died at Andover in 1681. George Abbott emigrated with his three sons and settled in Rowley Massachusetts in 1630. Arthur Abbott settled in Marblehead but removed to Ipswich Massachusetts and joined Winthrop in 1634 in the settlement of that town. Francis Abott settled in New York State in 1853. The early migration of the family is covered in the Abbott genealogy written in 1847.

Motto Translated: A friend to God and my country.

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