| ![Show Contents]() Dafydd History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
The Dafydd name, which is a very unique Celtic origin, came from the rugged landscape of Wales. This Brythonic Celtic name is from the personal name David, which means darling or friend. This name was common in England and Scotland from the 12th century onward, but was particularly popular in Wales even earlier. One of the most famous bearers of this personal name in Wales was David ap Gryffydd, the last Prince of North Wales, who was executed c. 1276 by King Edward I of England. Early Origins of the Dafydd familyThe surname Dafydd was first found in Cheshire, where they held a family seat from very ancient times. The name is conjecturally descended from David ap Gryffydd, the last Prince of North Wales who was executed by King Edward I of England about 1276. "St. David, is said to have been a Welsh Briton, born about the year 480, and bred up in the Christian religion. Coming to years of maturity, he became learned in all the liberal arts and sciences, and was finally constituted bishop of Menevia near Anglesea. From this place he went on pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and after his return was the reputed metropolitan of all the British churches." 1 David ap Gwilym (14th cent.), the celebrated Welsh bard, was born, according to one tradition, at Bro Gynin in the parish of Llanbadarn Vawr, Cardiganshire, about 1340, and dying there about 1400, was buried in the abbey of Ystrad Flur in the same county. 2 Early History of the Dafydd familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Dafydd research. Another 63 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1647, 1680 and 1690 are included under the topic Early Dafydd History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Dafydd Spelling VariationsThere are relatively few surnames native to Wales, but they have an inordinately large number of spelling variations. Early variations of Welsh surnames can be explained by the fact that very few people in the early Middle Ages were literate. Priests and the few other literate people were responsible for recording names in official documents. And because most people could not specific how to properly record their names it was up to the individual recorder of that time to determine how a spoken name should be recorded. Variations due to the imprecise or improper recording of a name continued later in history when names originally composed in the Brythonic Celtic, language of Wales, known by natives as Cymraeg, were transliterated into English. Welsh names that were documented in English often changed dramatically since the native language of Wales, which was highly inflected, did not copy well. Occasionally, however, spelling variations were carried out according to an individual's specific design: a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations could be indicated by minor variations. The spelling variations of the name Dafydd have included David, Dafydd, Dewi, Davith and others. Early Notables of the Dafydd familyProminent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was - Edward David or Dafydd (d. 1690), of Margam in Glamorganshire, was a Welsh poet of the seventeenth century
 Migration of the Dafydd family to Ireland
Some of the Dafydd family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 31 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 Dafydd familyMany Welsh families joined their Scottish and Irish neighbors during the late 1800s and early 1900s in seeking refuge in North America. Like the Irish and Scottish, many Welsh anxiously awaited the work, freedom, and opportunities that they believed lay in North America. Those who did journey over to the United States and what became known as Canada often realized those dreams, but only through much toil and perseverance. Whenever and however these Welsh immigrants arrived in North America, they were instrumental in the creation of the industry, commerce, and cultural heritage within those two developing nations. In the immigration and passenger lists a number of early immigrants bearing the name Dafydd were found: John David who settled in Boston in 1649; John David settled in Virginia in 1635; another John settled in Virginia in 1663; along with Joseph, Lewis, Rendall, and William.
| Contemporary Notables of the name Dafydd (post 1700) | + |
- Myrddin ap Dafydd (b. 1956), Welsh editor and prifardd from Llanrwst, Chief Bard, founder of the Gwasg Carreg Gwalch publishing company
- Fflur Dafydd (b. 1978), Welsh novelist, singer-songwriter and musician from Llandysul
- Einir Dafydd, Welsh singer who won the third series of the television talent show Wawffactor and the 2007 Cân i Gymru competition
- Catrin Dafydd (b. 1982), Welsh writer from Gwaelod y Garth, Cardiff, winner of the Crown at the 2018 National Eisteddfod
- Dafydd Hywel (1945-2023), Welsh actor, known for Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (2016), Off to Philadelphia in the Morning (1978) and The Blackheath Poisonings (1992)
- Dafydd Elystan Elystan Morgan (1932-2021), Baron Elystan-Morgan, known as Elystan Morgan, a Welsh politician, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Home Affairs (1968-1970)
- Dafydd Stephens (1942-2012), Welsh audiological physician and professor
- Dafydd Wigley (b. 1943), Welsh politician
- Dafydd Williams (b. 1954), Canadian physician and retired astronaut
- Dafydd Rowlands (1931-2001), Welsh Congregational minister, lecturer, writer and poet
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: Pax et copia
Motto Translation: Peace and plenty.
- Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print
- Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
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Wales
Ireland
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