Todd History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  Scotland/England 
  England 
  Scotland 
  Ireland 


The name Todd is derived from the Northern Middle English word "tod(de)," which meant fox.

"An archaic and provincial name of the fox. The expression "wily tod" occurs in the writings of Wickliffe, and the word is made use of by B. Jonson. Before fox-hunting became a fashionable sport, and when churchwardens, acting under the Statute of 24. Hen. VIII., were accustomed to pay "xijd. for the head of every foxe," a class of men gained a precarious livelihood by hunting foxes and lesser vermin, and obtained the designations Todhunter and Todman, both of which have become well-known surnames." 1

Early Origins of the Todd family

The surname Todd was first found in Norfolk where Hugo, Ardin Tod was first listed 1168-1175 and later again in Oxfordshire in 1225. A few years later, Richard Todd was found in Northumberland in 1231 and Richard le Todde was found in the Subsidy Rolls for Worcestershire in 1275. 2

Early History of the Todd family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Todd research. Another 197 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1231, 1270, 1275, 1330, 1658, 1677, 1679, 1684, 1685, 1688, 1692, 1699, 1728 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Todd History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Todd Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Todd, Tod, Todde and others.

Early Notables of the Todd family

Notable amongst the family name during their early history was

Todd World Ranking

In the United States, the name Todd is the 368th most popular surname with an estimated 74,610 people with that name. 3 However, in Canada, the name Todd is ranked the 778th most popular surname with an estimated 6,905 people with that name. 4 And in Australia, the name Todd is the 411st popular surname with an estimated 9,034 people with that name. 5 New Zealand ranks Todd as 184th with 2,989 people. 6 The United Kingdom ranks Todd as 256th with 23,465 people. 7

Migration of the Todd family to Ireland

Some of the Todd family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 61 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Todd migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Todd Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Todd Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Todd Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Todd Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Todd migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

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

Todd migration to Australia +

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

Todd Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Todd 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:

Todd Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Todd (post 1700) +


The Todd 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: Oportet vivere
Motto Translation: It behoves us to live.


Suggested Readings for the name Todd +
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