Show ContentsSurcutt History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Surcutt is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is a product of when the family lived in the tithing of Southcote in the county of Devon. The surname was originally derived from the Old English words sud which meant south and cot which meant cottage.

Early Origins of the Surcutt family

The surname Surcutt was first found in Devon where they were Lords of the Manor of Southcote anciently seated in that shire. "Southcote, an estate in the parish [of Winkleigh], appears to have given name to the Southcote family." 1

Early History of the Surcutt family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Surcutt research. Another 118 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1242, 1345, 1511, 1556, 1559, 1560, 1562, 1563, 1585, 1620, 1622, 1661, 1662 and 1664 are included under the topic Early Surcutt History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Surcutt Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Surcutt has been spelled many different ways, including Southcote, Sothcotte, Southcott, Sothcott, Southcod, Southcodt, Soutcott and many more.

Early Notables of the Surcutt family

Notables of the family at this time include John Soputcote (1511-1585), an English judge, second son of William Southcote, by his wife, Alice Tregonnell, grandson of Nicholas Southcote of Chudleigh, Devonshire. "He was a member of the Middle Temple, where he was autumn reader in 1556...
Another 46 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Surcutt Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Surcutt family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Surcutts to arrive in North America: James Southcott, a soldier who settled in St. John's Newfoundland in 1813; Richard and Thomas Southcote settled in Nantasket, Massachusetts in 1630; Frederick Southcott arrived in Philadelphia in 1855.



  1. Worth, R.N., A History of Devonshire London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, E.G., 1895. Digital


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