Eccles History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  England 
  Ireland 
  Scotland 


The ancestors of the name Eccles date back to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from their residence in Eccles which was in both Norfolk and a parish near Manchester.

Early Origins of the Eccles family

The surname Eccles was first found in Lancashire where the Lay Subsidy Rolls of 1332 listed: Adam de Ecclis, of Heaton with Halliwell; and Robert de Ecclis, of Pilkington. The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 listed Richard Eccles, Cambridgeshire. 1

Eccles cakes, the round cake filled with currants and made from flaky pastry with butter originates in the English town of Eccles which was originally in Cheshire, then Lancashire and now in Greater Manchester. As to who was the originator of the famous pastry, there is much debate, but they are today sold throughout Lancashire and much of the United Kingdom.

Further to the north in Scotland, "there seems to have been two separate families of this name, one taking their surname from Eccles in Berwickshire, the other from Eccles in Dumfriesshire. Adam de Eccles witnessed a charter by Grim, son of Guido, to the Abbey of Melrose, c. 1170 (Seats Supp., 329). Johan de Eccles of Berwickshire rendered homage in 1296, and Sir Mathew del Ecles of Dumfriesshire was juror in 1304." 2

Early History of the Eccles family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Eccles research. Another 93 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1618, 1659, 1668, 1670, 1683, 1735 and 1742 are included under the topic Early Eccles History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Eccles Spelling Variations

Eccles has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Eccles have been found, including Eccles, Ecles, Eckles, Eyckles, Accles, Ackles and others.

Early Notables of the Eccles family

Notables of this surname at this time include:

Eccles Ranking

In the United States, the name Eccles is the 8,145th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 3

Migration of the Eccles family to Ireland

Some of the Eccles family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 64 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Eccles migration to the United States +

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Eccless to arrive on North American shores:

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

Eccles migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

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

Eccles migration to Australia +

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

Eccles Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Eccles 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:

Eccles Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Eccles (post 1700) +


The Eccles 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: Se defendendo
Motto Translation: In his own defence.
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