Show ContentsDominic History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Dominic was brought to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name is derived from the Latin "Dominicus," meaning "of the Lord," a name that was borne by the famous Spanish saint who founded the Dominican Order. The name has always been a fairly uncommon one in England.

Early Origins of the Dominic family

The surname Dominic was first found in the parish of St. Dominick in the north-east part of Cornwall. At the time of Doomsday Survey the district was taxed under the appellation of Halton, by which name a manor is still distinguished in this parish. It was however, known as St. Dominick in the year 1294, since in that inquisition Sancti Dominici is expressly mentioned.

"St. Dominick, to whom this church is dedicated, was born in Spain about the year 1167, and was distinguished for his vast learning and superior abilities. His piety is said by the Catholics to have kept pace with his talents; so that he acquired considerable fame for his acquaintance with the sacred writings and the mysteries of religion." 1

A far as records for the family, they are indeed rare. In 1405, Robert Domenyk was registered in the Calendar of Letter Books of London. 2

Early History of the Dominic family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Dominic research. Another 72 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1405, 1545, 1641 and 1660 are included under the topic Early Dominic History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Dominic Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Dominick, Dominic, Dominique, Dominicus, Dorminay, Dominay and many more.

Early Notables of the Dominic family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was

  • Andrew Dominick (c.1660), a British priest and writer


Dominic migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Dominic Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Mana Dominic, who settled in Wisconsin

Dominic migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Dominic Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Mr. Francis Dominick U.E. who settled in Canada c. 1784 3

Contemporary Notables of the name Dominic (post 1700) +

  • John J. Dominic, American politician, Member of New York State Assembly from Schoharie County, 1881
  • Michael Dominic DeShields (b. 1998), American soccer player who plays as a defender
  • Vice Admiral George Dominic Murray (1889-1956), American early naval aviator, Commander of the aircraft carrier Enterprise (CV-6), from 21 March 1941 to 30 June 1942, which included the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo and the Battle of Midway
  • Franz Dominic Grassi (1801-1880), Italian merchant in Leipzig
  • Marco Dominic Dapper (b. 1983), American actor and model
  • Quentin Dominic Groves (1984-2016), American football linebacker who suffered from Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome; he died at the age of 32
  • John Dominic Crossan (b. 1934), Irish-born, American New Testament scholar
  • Ryan Dominic Bertrand (b. 1989), English footballer
  • Bishop Edward Dominic Fenwick (1768-1832), American clergyman, Bishop of Cincinnati, Ohio
  • James Dominic Frain (b. 1968), English stage and screen actor

Halifax Explosion
  • child Dominic, Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 4


The Dominic 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: Pax
Motto Translation: Peace.


  1. Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print
  2. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  3. Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
  4. Halifax Explosion Book of Remembrance | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. (Retrieved 2014, June 23) . Retrieved from https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion/halifax-explosion-book-remembrance


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