Show ContentsBoddand History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The history of the Boddand family goes back to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. It is derived from the family living in the village of Bodden, Staffordshire, where traces of the family dating from before the Norman Conquest have been found.

Early Origins of the Boddand family

The surname Boddand was first found in Somerset where Richard de Boddene and John de Boddene were both recorded 1 Edward III, (during the first year of the reign of Edward III.) 1

"At a very early period, a family of Bodin, Beaudin, and Beadyn, or Beadon, for the name is thus variously written, enjoyed considerable property in Devon; but whether or not it derived from the Norman, whose name appears on the Roll, we have no means of ascertaining. From the Devonshire Beaudins, the Beadons, now of Gotton House, co. Somerset, claim descent." 2

Early History of the Boddand family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Boddand research. Another 193 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1066, 1156, 1200, 1208, 1401, 1500, 1565 and 1797 are included under the topic Early Boddand History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Boddand Spelling Variations

Until quite recently, the English language has lacked a definite system of spelling rules. Consequently, Anglo-Saxon surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. Changes in Anglo-Saxon names were influenced by the evolution of the English language, as it incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other languages. Although Medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, so it is common to find one person referred to by several different spellings of his surname, even the most literate people varied the spelling of their own names. Variations of the name Boddand include Boden, Boyden, Bodin, Bodinus, Boydinus, Boidin and many more.

Early Notables of the Boddand family

More information is included under the topic Early Boddand Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Boddand family

Searching for a better life, many English families migrated to British colonies. Unfortunately, the majority of them traveled under extremely harsh conditions: overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the ocean. For those families that arrived safely, modest prosperity was attainable, and many went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the new colonies. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Boddand or a variant listed above: James Boyden who arrived in Maine in 1624; Thomas Boyden in New England in 1634 and James Boyden in Delaware in 1682.



The Boddand 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: Contra audentior
Motto Translation: Bodly against the enemy


  1. Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.
  2. Burke, John Bernard, The Roll of Battle Abbey. London: Edward Churton, 26, Holles Street, 1848, Print.


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