Show ContentsBoddane History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The present generation of the Boddane family is only the most recent to bear a name that dates back to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name comes from having lived in the village of Bodden, Staffordshire, where traces of the family dating from before the Norman Conquest have been found.

Early Origins of the Boddane family

The surname Boddane 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 Boddane family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Boddane 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 Boddane History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Boddane Spelling Variations

Until 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 Boddane include Boden, Boyden, Bodin, Bodinus, Boydinus, Boidin and many more.

Early Notables of the Boddane family

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

Migration of the Boddane family

Thousands 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 Boddane were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: James Boyden who arrived in Maine in 1624; Thomas Boyden in New England in 1634 and James Boyden in Delaware in 1682.



The Boddane 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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