Goodall History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  England 
  Ireland 


The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 brought much change to the island nation, including many immigrants with new names. Among these immigrants were the ancestors of the Goodall family, who lived in Yorkshire, which was the largest county in northern England and was divided into three administrative ridings, North Riding, West Riding, and East Riding. It was bordered by the counties of Durham, Westmorland, Lancashire, Cheshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. The town of York was the military capital of Roman Britain, the capital of Northumbria, and was the seat of an Archbishop. Yorkshire was also the home of the House of York, which was an English royal dynasty from 1461 to 1485. The reigning members of the House of York were Edward IV, Edward V and Richard III. Their rivalry with the House of Lancaster resulted in the Wars of the Roses, which lasted from 1455 to 1485 and ended when the Lancastrian Henry VII united the two houses by marrying Elizabeth, the daughter of Edward IV.

Early Origins of the Goodall family

The surname Goodall was first found in West Riding of Yorkshire at Gowdall, a township, in the parish of Snaith, union of Goole, Lower division of the wapentake of Osgoldcross. 1

In the 12th century, this parish was known as Goodale, 2 3 and literally meant "nook of land where marigolds grow," from the Old English words "golde" + halh." 2

However, two sources claim the name was derived from "good hall." 4 5 The former also postulates it could have been derived from "good - ale."

The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 have numerous entries of the family including: Villa de Goldale; Johannes Godhale; Ricardus de Goldall; and Johannes Godhall. Over in the East Riding of Yorkshire the Poll Tax of Howdenshire, again recorded in 1379 listed: Agnes Godhall; and Johannes Gudhall. 3

Early History of the Goodall family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Goodall research. Another 74 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1642, 1670, 1706, 1712, 1766 and 1967 are included under the topic Early Goodall History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Goodall 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 Goodall were recorded, including Goodall, Goodale, Godall, Godale, Goodell and others.

Early Notables of the Goodall family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was

Goodall World Ranking

In the United States, the name Goodall is the 6,437th most popular surname with an estimated 4,974 people with that name. 7 However, in New Zealand, the name Goodall is ranked the 496th most popular surname with an estimated 1,378 people with that name. 8 And in the United Kingdom, the name Goodall is the 696th popular surname with an estimated 9,597 people with that name. 9

Migration of the Goodall family to Ireland

Some of the Goodall family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 37 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Goodall migration to the United States +

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 Goodall arrived in North America very early:

Goodall Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Goodall Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Goodall migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

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

Goodall migration to Australia +

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

Goodall Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Goodall 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:

Goodall Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Goodall (post 1700) +


The Goodall 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: Toujours fidele
Motto Translation: Always faithful.
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