Davonish History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The name Davonish first arose amongst the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is derived from their having lived near a body of water derived from the Old English word that means deep waters.

Early Origins of the Davonish family

The surname Davonish was first found in Sussex where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Davonish family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Davonish research. Another 70 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Davonish History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Davonish Spelling Variations

One relatively recent invention that did much to standardize English spelling was the printing press. However, before its invention even the most literate people recorded their names according to sound rather than spelling. The spelling variations under which the name Davonish has appeared include Devenish, Devonish, Devanay, Devenay, Deveney, Devenney, Devenny, O'Devanny, O'Devenish, O'Devonish and many more.

Early Notables of the Davonish family

More information is included under the topic Early Davonish Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Davonish family to Ireland

Some of the Davonish family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 54 words (4 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 Davonish family

At this time, the shores of the New World beckoned many English families that felt that the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. Thousands left England at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. A great portion of these settlers never survived the journey and even a greater number arrived sick, starving, and without a penny. The survivors, however, were often greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. These English settlers made significant contributions to those colonies that would eventually become the United States and Canada. An examination of early immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Davonish arrived in North America very early: John Devenish who settled in Barbados in 1680 with his wife, two children, and servants; another John settled in New England in 1678; Hugh, Daniel, John, Michael, Samuel, Thomas, and William Devenney, all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1870..

The Davonish 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: Spero et captivus nitor
Motto Translation: I hope, and though a captive I strive.