| ![Show Contents]() Benedicts History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Etymology of BenedictsWhat does the name Benedicts mean? The Benedicts family name is linked to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name comes from the personal name, Benedict, which was derived from the Latin name Benedictus, which meant blessed by God. 1 Another source notes the name could have been "from Benedictus, blessed, well spoken of, or a person wishing all good." 2 Early Origins of the Benedicts familyThe surname Benedicts was first found in Warwickshire, where they held a family seat from ancient times. Benedict Biscop (628?-690), also called Biscop Baducing, was "founder of monasteries at Wearmouth and Jarrow, was an Angle of noble birth (Beda, v. 19, and Vita Abbat. i.), possibly of the royal race of the Lindisfari." 3 Benedict of Gloucester (fl. 1120), was author of a life of St. Dubricius, Archbishop of Caerleon, was, according to his own description of himself, a monk of St. Peter's, Gloucester. Benedict (d. 1193), was "Abbot of Peterborough, whose birthplace is unknown, was probably a monk of Christ Church, Canterury, of which monastery he became prior in 1175. In 1177 he was elected to the abbacy of Peterborough, and died in that office at Michaelmas, 1193." 3 Early History of the Benedicts familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Benedicts research. Another 232 words (17 lines of text) covering the years 1221, 1273, 1322, 1500, 1617, 1638, 1689 and 1871 are included under the topic Early Benedicts History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Benedicts Spelling VariationsUntil the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Benedicts include Benedict, Benedicte, Benedici, Benedicti and many more. Early Notables of the Benedicts familyAnother 48 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Benedicts Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Benedicts familyThousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Benedicts were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: Simon Benedict who arrived in Philadelphia in 1732 and Russel Benedict who arrived in New Orleans in 1823.
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: De bon vouloir servir le roy
Motto Translation: To serve the king with goo will.
- Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
- Arthur, William , An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. London: 1857. Print
- Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
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