Goddil History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Goddil is a name that came to England in the 11th century wave of migration that was set off by the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Goddil family lived in Yorkshire, which was the largest county in northern England and was divided into three administrative ridings, North Riding, West Riding, and East Riding. It was bordered by the counties of Durham, Westmorland, Lancashire, Cheshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. The town of York was the military capital of Roman Britain, the capital of Northumbria, and was the seat of an Archbishop. Yorkshire was also the home of the House of York, which was an English royal dynasty from 1461 to 1485. The reigning members of the House of York were Edward IV, Edward V and Richard III. Their rivalry with the House of Lancaster resulted in the Wars of the Roses, which lasted from 1455 to 1485 and ended when the Lancastrian Henry VII united the two houses by marrying Elizabeth, the daughter of Edward IV.

Early Origins of the Goddil family

The surname Goddil was first found in West Riding of Yorkshire at Gowdall, a township, in the parish of Snaith, union of Goole, Lower division of the wapentake of Osgoldcross. 1

In the 12th century, this parish was known as Goodale, 2 3 and literally meant "nook of land where marigolds grow," from the Old English words "golde" + halh." 2

However, two sources claim the name was derived from "good hall." 4 5 The former also postulates it could have been derived from "good - ale."

The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 have numerous entries of the family including: Villa de Goldale; Johannes Godhale; Ricardus de Goldall; and Johannes Godhall. Over in the East Riding of Yorkshire the Poll Tax of Howdenshire, again recorded in 1379 listed: Agnes Godhall; and Johannes Gudhall. 3

Early History of the Goddil family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Goddil research. Another 74 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1642, 1670, 1706, 1712, 1766 and 1967 are included under the topic Early Goddil History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Goddil Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Goddil has been recorded under many different variations, including Goodall, Goodale, Godall, Godale, Goodell and others.

Early Notables of the Goddil family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Charles Goodall . (1642-1712), English physician, born in Suffolk in 1642, studied medicine at Leyden, and graduated M.D. at Cambridge 26 Nov. 1670...
Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Goddil Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Goddil family to Ireland

Some of the Goddil family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 37 words (3 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 Goddil family

To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Goddils were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: Abraham Goodale who settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1634; along with Isaac, Catherin, Mary (2); Robert Goodale settled in Salem in 1634; Thomas Goodale settled in Boston in 1716.

The Goddil 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: Toujours fidele
Motto Translation: Always faithful.

Citations +

Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Arthur, William , An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. London: 1857. Print
Sims, Clifford Stanley The Origin and Signification of Scottish Surnames. 1862. Print.