Show ContentsDugdel History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Dugdel

What does the name Dugdel mean?

The Anglo-Saxon name Dugdel comes from the family having resided in either the settlement of Dug Dale, which is found in Warter in the East Riding of Yorkshire, or the place called Dugdales in Great Mitton, which is in the West Riding of Yorkshire. The surname Dugdel belongs to the large category of Anglo-Saxon habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads.

Early Origins of the Dugdel family

The surname Dugdel was first found in Yorkshire. However, another branch of the family was found in the parish of Shustock in Warwickshire. "Blyth Hall was the residence of the celebrated antiquary, Sir William Dugdale, who purchased that manor of Sir Walter Ashton, in the 1st of Charles I., and here compiled The Antiquities of Warwickshire; he died on the 10th of February, 1685, and was buried in the parish church." 1

Early History of the Dugdel family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Dugdel research. Another 53 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1605, 1628, 1640, 1660, 1683, 1686, 1697 and 1700 are included under the topic Early Dugdel History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Dugdel Spelling Variations

Dugdel has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Spelling variants included: Dugdale, Dugdall, Dugdill, Dugdell, Dougdall and many more.

Early Notables of the Dugdel family

Distinguished members of the family include Sir William Dugdale (1605-1686), noted historian, who published the notable work on the history on the monasteries of England; and his son John Dugdale (1628-1700), Garter King of Arms, herald in the College of Arms; and Stephen Dugdale (1640?-1683), an English informer who...
Another 48 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Dugdel Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Dugdel family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Dugdels to arrive on North American shores: Benjamin Dugdale who settled in Virginia in 1638; Ann Dugdale settled in Philadelphia in 1685; Henry Dugdell settled in Virginia in 1635; William Dugdill settled in Philadelphia in 1860..



The Dugdel 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: Pestes patria pigrities
Motto Translation: Sloth is the plague of one's country.


  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


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