Bowdel History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The name Bowdel is rooted in the Old French translation a "bouteiller," a name for someone who was in charge of the wine cellar. This person was generally the head of the servants, the administrator of the estates, and held considerable power.

Early Origins of the Bowdel family

The surname Bowdel was first found in Normandy where they held a family seat as Seigniors of Wemme. Their ancient title was Butler (Bouteillier) to the Counts of Meulent (Robert de Beaumont about 1066,) the actual family name being Pincerna. This title was then adopted as a surname.

Early History of the Bowdel family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bowdel research. Another 172 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1066, 1086, 1100, 1130, 1650, 1663, 1664, 1670 and 1715 are included under the topic Early Bowdel History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bowdel Spelling Variations

Endless spelling variations are a prevailing characteristic of Norman surnames. Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules, and the introduction of Norman French added an unfamiliar ingredient to the English linguistic stew. French and Latin, the languages of the court, also influenced spellings. Finally, Medieval scribes generally spelled words according to how they sounded, so one person was often referred to by different spellings in different documents. The name has been spelled Bouteiller, Boutteillier, Bouthellier, Bouteillier, LeBoutillier, LeBouteillier, Boutillier, LeBoutillier, Boutouiller, Botelers, de Buitlier, LeBoutellier, Boutellier and many more.

Early Notables of the Bowdel family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Elizabeth Boutell, née Davenport (c.1650-1715), British actress who joined the King's Company about 1670. She was accordingly one of the first...
Another 28 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Bowdel Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Bowdel family to Ireland

Some of the Bowdel family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 34 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Bowdel family

To escape the political and religious persecution within England at the time, many English families left for the various British colonies abroad. The voyage was extremely difficult, though, and the cramped, dank ships caused many to arrive in the New World diseased and starving. But for those who made it, the trip was most often worth it. Many of the families who arrived went on to make valuable contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name Bowdel or a variant listed above: Michel Boutteillier, who came to Philadelphia in 1798; H.G. Bouthellier came to New York in 1820; Charles LeBoutellier to Philadelphia in 1844; and Jean Bouteillier to New York 1896..