Bidulf History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The Bidulf surname is a habitational name taken on from a place in Staffordshire, recorded as Bidolf in the Domesday Book. This place name is derived from the Old English "bi," meaning "beside," along with "dylf," which means "digging." Together, the place name probably described a place near a quarry or mine.

Early Origins of the Bidulf family

The surname Bidulf was first found in Staffordshire at Biddulph, where "Biddulph Hall, at the north end of the parish, was anciently the residence of the Biddulph family." 1 The first record of the family appears to be Thomas de Bidulf, on record in the Assize Rolls in 1199 for that county. Other early records include Roger Biddulph (or de Bydoulf) of Biddulph, who lived during the reign of Edward I (ruled 1272-1307) in Staffordshire; and John de Bydulfe listed in the Subsidy Rolls for that same county in 1332-33. "This ancient family, originally of Biddulph, in the northern parts of Staffordshire, is traced to Ormus, mentioned in the Domesday Survey. He is supposed to have married the Saxon heiress of Biddulph, from whence the name was afterwards assumed." 2

Early History of the Bidulf family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bidulf research. Another 62 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1610, 1612, 1642, 1651, 1652, 1656, 1659, 1661, 1666, 1679, 1683, 1685, 1687, 1689, 1690, 1695, 1701 and 1718 are included under the topic Early Bidulf History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bidulf Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Bidulf are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. Scribes and monks in the Middle Ages spelled names they sounded, so it is common to find several variations that refer to a single person. The variations of the name Bidulf include: Biddulph, Bidulf, Bydoulf and others.

Early Notables of the Bidulf family

Distinguished members of the family include Michael Biddulph (1610-1666) of Elmhurst, English politician, who became a member of the English House of Commons from Lichfield in 1642; Sir Theophilus Biddulph, 1st Baronet...
Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Bidulf Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Bidulf family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Bidulf or a variant listed above: Tho Biddulph, who came to Virginia in 1664; William Biddulph, who arrived in New Jersey in 1679; Anthony Biddulph, a bonded passenger, who arrived in America in 1696.

The Bidulf 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: Sublimiora petamus
Motto Translation: Let us seek higher things.

Citations +

Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Shirley, Evelyn Philip, The Noble and Gentle Men of England; The Arms and Descents. Westminster: John Bower Nichols and Sons, 1866, Print.