Show ContentsBoulding History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Boulding name is an important part of the history of the ancient Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. Boulding is derived from the Old English personal name Bealding, which was originally derived from the name Beald. The name was not recorded before the Conquest. 1

Early Origins of the Boulding family

The surname Boulding was first found in Lincolnshire, where Joscius filius Balding was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls during the reign of Richard I. Gilbertus filius Balding was also found in Lincolnshire as recorded in the Curia Regis Rolls form 1212. Alice and John Baldyng were found in the Subsidy Rolls from Sussex in 1327, as was Robert Beldyng in 1332. 1

As far as understanding spelling variations is concerned, we found this interesting entry: "In 1674, Suffolk Anthony Baldin and Bartholomew Baldinge occur side by side with Baldwin, so that Balding is sometimes a late development of Baldwin." 1

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 included: William Bolding, Salop (Shropshire.) 2 And in Norfolk, John Bolden was listed there 2 Edward VI (during the second year of the reign of Edward IV). 3

Early History of the Boulding family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Boulding research. Another 99 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1212, 1251, 1255, 1327, 1332, 1513, 1518, 1519, 1529 and 1674 are included under the topic Early Boulding History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Boulding Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Boulding were recorded, including Balding, Baulding, Baldyne, Bolding, Baldyng, Beldyng, Baldinge, Baldin, Poldin and many more.

Early Notables of the Boulding family

Distinguished members of the family include Gilebertus filius Baalding, a prominent 13th century landholder in Lincolnshire.Noel Baulduin or Baudouin, was a native of the Netherlands, contemporary with Josquin des Prés, and from 1513 to 1518 chapel-master of the church of Notre Dame at Antwerp, where he died in 1529. Two of his motets were...
Another 53 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Boulding Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Boulding family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Boulding family emigrate to North America: Francis Balding, who sailed to Virginia in 1642; Thomas Balding, who was on record in Jamaica in 1661; John Balding, who came to Virginia in 1671; and Judith Balding, who came to America in 1770..


Contemporary Notables of the name Boulding (post 1700) +

  • Dame Hilary Boulding D.B.E. (b. 1957), British Academic Administrator and former Media Professional was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire on 17th June 2017, for services to Education and Culture in Wales


The Boulding 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: Sto Ro Veritate
Motto Translation: I stand for the truth.


  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  3. Rye, Walter, A History of Norfolk. London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, 1885. Print


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