| ![Show Contents]() Bennedict History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Etymology of BennedictWhat does the name Bennedict mean? The Anglo-Saxon name Bennedict 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 Bennedict familyThe surname Bennedict 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 Bennedict familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bennedict 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 Bennedict History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Bennedict Spelling VariationsBefore the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Bennedict were recorded, including Benedict, Benedicte, Benedici, Benedicti and many more. Early Notables of the Bennedict familyAnother 48 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Bennedict Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Bennedict familyTo escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Bennedict family emigrate to North America: 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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