Doyle History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  England 
  Ireland 


The spelling and overall form of Irish names often vary considerably. The original Gaelic form of the name Doyle is Ó Dubhghaill, derived from the words dubh, which means black, and ghall, which means foreigner, or "dubhgall," which meant "dark and tall." 1

Early Origins of the Doyle family

The surname Doyle was first found in the counties of Wicklow, Wexford, and Carlow. Although the name is now common throughout Ireland, it has always retained a close association with these southeastern Leinster counties. Although at least one historian gives their descent from Dubhgilla, King of Idrone in Leinster, more evidence points to descent from King Conn of the "Hundred Battles." His name comes from the hundreds of battles he fought and won, before his death in the 2nd century.

It is traditionally believed that the family takes its name from a Norseman who settled in Ireland prior to the Norman Conquest; a theory that is borne out by the fact that the Doyles tended to be more concentrated in the coastal regions favored by Norse settlers. Moreover, the Gaelic word dubhghall was used in early times to refer to a Norseman or Scandinavian. With the settlement of Norsemen in various places, several distinct septs called O Dubhghail probably arose independently. 2

Early History of the Doyle family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Doyle research. Another 153 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1786, 1797, 1834, 1868, 1873 and 1917 are included under the topic Early Doyle History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Doyle Spelling Variations

Names written in official documents were generally spelt as they sounded, leading to the problem of one name being recorded under several different variations, creating the illusion in records of more than one person. Among the many spelling variations of the surname Doyle that are preserved in documents of the family history are Doyle, O'Doyle, Doyill, Doill, Doile, Doyel and others.

Early Notables of the Doyle family

Notable amongst the family name at this time was

Doyle World Ranking

In the United States, the name Doyle is the 419th most popular surname with an estimated 67,149 people with that name. 3 However, in Canada, the name Doyle is ranked the 284th most popular surname with an estimated 15,204 people with that name. 4 And in Quebec, Canada, the name Doyle is the 912nd popular surname. 5 Newfoundland, Canada ranks Doyle as 106th with 318 people. 6 Australia ranks Doyle as 171st with 18,411 people. 7 New Zealand ranks Doyle as 531st with 1,310 people. 8 The United Kingdom ranks Doyle as 252nd with 23,854 people. 9


Doyle migration to the United States +

Irish families began to immigrate to British North America and the United States in the 18th century, but the greatest influx of Irish immigrants came during the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s. The earlier settlers came to North America after a great deal of consideration and by paying relatively high fees for their passage. These settlers were primarily drawn by the promise of land. Those later settlers that came during the 1840's were trying to escape the conditions of poverty, starvation, disease, and death that had stricken Ireland. Due to the enormity of their numbers and the late date of their arrival, these immigrants primarily became hired laborers instead of homesteading settlers like their predecessors. An exhaustive search of immigration and passenger lists has revealed many Irish immigrants North America bearing the name Doyle:

Doyle Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Doyle Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Doyle Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Doyle migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Doyle Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
Doyle Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Doyle migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Doyle Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Doyle migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Doyle Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Doyle (post 1700) +


The Doyle 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: Fortitudine Vincit
Motto Translation: He conquers by fortitude.


Suggested Readings for the name Doyle +
Fastest Delivery Possible

Digital Products on Checkout, all other products filled in 1 business day

Money Back Guarantee

Yes, all products 100% Guraranteed

BBB A+ Rating

The Best Rating possible

Secure Online Payment

Entire site uses SSL / Secure Certificate