Show ContentsDodging History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Dodging was spawned by the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture that ruled a majority of Britain. It comes from the baptismal name Dod, the short form of Roger. 1 Baptismal names began to appear as surnames relatively late in the growth of the naming tradition. This is a little surprising, given the popularity of biblical figures in the Christian countries of Europe. Nevertheless, surnames derived from baptismal names grew in popularity during the Middle Ages, and have become one of the foremost sources for surnames.

Early Origins of the Dodging family

The surname Dodging was first found in Yorkshire where Doge filius Arnaldi was listed in the Pipe Rolls in 1196. In nearby Lancashire, Wigot filius Doge was listed there in the Curia Regis Rolls of 1214 and later Dogge was listed in the Assize Rolls of 1246. In Gloucestershire, Robert and Nicholas Dogge were listed in the Curia Regis Rolls of 1206. 2

To the south and west, in Stoke-Climsland, Cornwall "Climson belonged formerly to the family of Doidge, who had their seat there." 3

Early History of the Dodging family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Dodging research. Another 78 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1196, 1214, 1515, 1546, 1559, 1583, 1595, 1610, 1620, 1629, 1639, 1650, 1651, 1655, 1656, 1674, 1697 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Dodging History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Dodging Spelling Variations

Dodging has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Dodging have been found, including Dodge, Doidge, Doge, Doige, Doddge, Doges, Dodges, Doidges and many more.

Early Notables of the Dodging family

Notables of the family at this time include Leonard Digges (c.1515-c.1559), English mathematician and surveyor, credited with the invention of the theodolite; Sir Thomas Digges (1546-1595), an English mathematician and astronomer; Sir Dudley Digges (c.1583-1639), an English diplomat and politician who sat in the House of Commons between 1610 and 1629, known as a "Virginia adventurer," an investor who ventured...
Another 60 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Dodging Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Dodging family to Ireland

Some of the Dodging family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 50 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 Dodging family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Dodgings to arrive on North American shores: William Dodge who arrived in 1623 on the sailing ship the ".



  1. Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
  2. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  3. Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print


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