Abbots History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Etymology of Abbots

What does the name Abbots mean?

The surname Abbots, comes from the Old English word "abbod," which in turn comes from a Latin and a Greek root, and means "priest." The celibacy of the clergy makes it unlikely that this name is actually an occupational name for a priest, but rather was likely a name first used by someone who employed by the church, or someone thought to resemble an abbot in some way.

Early Origins of the Abbots family

The surname Abbots was first found in the counties of Oxfordshire, Huntingdon, Bedfordshire and Cambridge from very ancient times, before the Norman Conquest of England by Duke William of Normandy in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Abbots family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Abbots research. Another 75 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1306, 1577, 1611 and 1912 are included under the topic Early Abbots History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Abbots Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Abbott, Abbot, Abbotts, Abbett, Abbet, Abott and others.

Early Notables of the Abbots family

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

Migration of the Abbots family to Ireland

Some of the Abbots family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Abbots family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: George Abbot of Andover Massachusetts born in Yorkshire, who died at Andover in 1681. George Abbott emigrated with his three sons and settled in Rowley Massachusetts in 1630. Arthur Abbott settled in Marblehead but moved to Ipswich Massachusetts and joined Winthrop in 1634 in the settlement of that town. Francis Abott settled in New York State in 1853. The early migration of the family is covered in the Abbott genealogy written in 1847.

The Abbots 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: Deo patria amicis
Motto Translation: A friend to God and my country.