Biddulf History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The Biddulf surname is a habitational name taken on from a place in Staffordshire, recorded as Bidolf in the Domesday Book. This place name is derived from the Old English "bi," meaning "beside," along with "dylf," which means "digging." Together, the place name probably described a place near a quarry or mine.

Early Origins of the Biddulf family

The surname Biddulf was first found in Staffordshire at Biddulph, where "Biddulph Hall, at the north end of the parish, was anciently the residence of the Biddulph family." 1 The first record of the family appears to be Thomas de Bidulf, on record in the Assize Rolls in 1199 for that county. Other early records include Roger Biddulph (or de Bydoulf) of Biddulph, who lived during the reign of Edward I (ruled 1272-1307) in Staffordshire; and John de Bydulfe listed in the Subsidy Rolls for that same county in 1332-33. "This ancient family, originally of Biddulph, in the northern parts of Staffordshire, is traced to Ormus, mentioned in the Domesday Survey. He is supposed to have married the Saxon heiress of Biddulph, from whence the name was afterwards assumed." 2

Early History of the Biddulf family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Biddulf research. Another 62 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1610, 1612, 1642, 1651, 1652, 1656, 1659, 1661, 1666, 1679, 1683, 1685, 1687, 1689, 1690, 1695, 1701 and 1718 are included under the topic Early Biddulf History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Biddulf Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries; therefore, spelling variations are common among early Anglo-Saxon names. As the form of the English language changed, even the spelling of literate people's names evolved. Biddulf has been recorded under many different variations, including Biddulph, Bidulf, Bydoulf and others.

Early Notables of the Biddulf family

Distinguished members of the family include Michael Biddulph (1610-1666) of Elmhurst, English politician, who became a member of the English House of Commons from Lichfield in 1642; Sir Theophilus Biddulph, 1st Baronet...
Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Biddulf Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Biddulf family

For many English families, the political and religious disarray that shrouded England made the far away New World an attractive prospect. On cramped disease-ridden ships, thousands migrated to those British colonies that would eventually become Canada and the United States. Those hardy settlers that survived the journey often went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations in which they landed. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Biddulf or a variant listed above: Tho Biddulph, who came to Virginia in 1664; William Biddulph, who arrived in New Jersey in 1679; Anthony Biddulph, a bonded passenger, who arrived in America in 1696.

The Biddulf 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: Sublimiora petamus
Motto Translation: Let us seek higher things.

Citations +

Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Shirley, Evelyn Philip, The Noble and Gentle Men of England; The Arms and Descents. Westminster: John Bower Nichols and Sons, 1866, Print.