Show ContentsCodinton History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The origins of the Codinton name lie with England's ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It comes from when the family lived in one of the various settlements called Coddington in the counties of Cheshire, Derbyshire, Hertfordshire, and Nottinghamshire. Thus, the surname Codinton belongs to the large category of Anglo-Saxon habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads.

Early Origins of the Codinton family

The surname Codinton was first found in Gloucestershire at Codrington, which dates back to at least the 12th century when it was listed as Cuderintuna and literally meant "estate associated with a man called Cuthhere" derived from the Old English personal name + ing + tun. 1 Another reference further breaks down the name Cuthhere or Cuohere as a personal name composed of the elements "cuo" meaning famous or well-known + "here," meaning army. 2

Early History of the Codinton family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Codinton research. Another 68 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1619, 1626, 1665, 1668, 1691 and 1710 are included under the topic Early Codinton History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Codinton 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 Codinton were recorded, including Codrington, Coddrington, Codrinton, Coddrinton and others.

Early Notables of the Codinton family

Notables of this surname at this time include: Christopher Codrington (1668-1710), British soldier, slaver, bibliophile and colonial governor who upon his death bequeathed his slave plantations to found Codrington College, St. John, Barbados. Born in the Barbados, his father, also Christopher Codrington, was captain-general of the Leeward Islands. Young Codrington was sent to England to be educated, and went to school at Enfield under Dr. Wedale. 3Robert Codrington (d...
Another 68 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Codinton Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Codinton 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 Codinton family emigrate to North America: Jonathon Coddrington who settled in Barbados in 1680 with his servants; Robert Codrington settled in Barbados with his wife and daughter in 1678; Lieutenant Codrington also settled in Barbados in 1679.



The Codinton 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: Immersabillis est vera virtus
Motto Translation: True virtue cannot be conquered.


  1. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
  2. Hanks, Patricia and Flavia Hodges, A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1988. Print. (ISBN 0-19-211592-8)
  3. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


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