Unkittil History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The ancestors of the Unkittil family brought their name to England in the wave of migration after the Norman Conquest of 1066. They lived in Anctiville, Normandy, in the diocese of Coutances. The Unkittil family migrated to England in the 11th century, settling in the county of Dorset.

Early Origins of the Unkittil family

The surname Unkittil was first found in the county of Dorset, in England, but for earlier origins the family can be traced to Tebotvilla in Normandy, where their territories were known as Weedon Beck. They accompanied Duke William of Normandy into England in 1066 and were granted lands in Dorset.

Early History of the Unkittil family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Unkittil research. Another 102 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1636 and 1901 are included under the topic Early Unkittil History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Unkittil Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Unkittil were recorded, including Anketill, Ankatell, Anketil, Ankatel, Anchetill, Anchetell and many more.

Early Notables of the Unkittil family

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

Migration of the Unkittil family to Ireland

Some of the Unkittil family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 47 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 Unkittil family

The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Unkittil arrived in North America very early: Henry Anketell who settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1844; Edward Anketall settled in the same city in 1851. The spelling Antle is found to have arrived in Newfoundland, in the early 1700's and have settled now in the areas of Victoria, St. John's, Fox Cove and Botwood..

The Unkittil 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: Vade ad formicam
Motto Translation: Go to the ant.