O'Dely History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The name O'Dely is an old Anglo-Saxon name. It comes from when a family lived in East Hoathly (Hoathley) or West Hoathly (Hoathley), parishes in Sussex. "Of the truth of this derivation there can be no doubt." 1

Of the two, West Hoathley is the oldest, dating back to 1121 when it was known as Hadlega. East Hoathley dates back to 1287 when it was known as Hodlegh. Both literally mean "heathy woodland clearing" or "woodland clearing where heather grows." 2

Early Origins of the O'Dely family

The surname O'Dely was first found in Sussex, where William de Hodlegh was listed in the Subsidy Rolls in 1296. 3

Early History of the O'Dely family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our O'Dely research. Another 63 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1616, 1643, 1676, 1678, 1705, 1706, 1711, 1746, 1757, 1761, 1776 and 1798 are included under the topic Early O'Dely History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

O'Dely 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 O'Dely were recorded, including Hoadley, Hoadly, Hodly, Hoadely, Hodely and others.

Early Notables of the O'Dely family

Distinguished members of the family include Benjamin Hoadly (1676-1761), Bishop of Bangor, Hereford, Salisbury and Winchester, who was born in Westerham, Kent. John Hoadly, Archbishop of Armagh [q. v.], was his brother. Benjamin Hoadly (1706-1757), was an English physician, son of Benjamin Hoadly, Bishop of Winchester [q. v.] and was born on 10 February 1706 in Broad Street, London. John Hoadly (1711-1776), was an English poet...
Another 65 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early O'Dely Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the O'Dely 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 O'Dely family emigrate to North America: John Hoadley, who sailed to New England in 1640 and Mrs. Hoadley, to San Francisco with her children in 1860.

The O'Dely 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: Veritas et patria
Motto Translation: Truth and faith.

Citations +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)