Gutshal History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The history of the name Gutshal begins in the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes in Britain. It was a name for a person who was "gode," meaning "good," along with "saule, or soule," meaning "soul." Thus it is thought to have originally been a nickname for a good soul, or honest person, which then went on to become a hereditary surname.

Early Origins of the Gutshal family

The surname Gutshal was first found in Essex where they held a family seat from very early times, some say before the Norman Conquest in 1066 A.D. We cannot support Lower, Bardsley, and Harrison who claim that the name was from Gods-Hill in the Isle of Wight.

Early History of the Gutshal family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gutshal research. Another 105 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1505, 1556, 1542, 1568 and 1546 are included under the topic Early Gutshal History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gutshal Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Gutshal are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Gutshal include: Godsell, Godsall, Goldsalde, Godseel, Godsel, Godsalve and many more.

Early Notables of the Gutshal family (pre 1700)

Notables of the family at this time include Sir John Godsalve (b. circa 1505- d. 1556), Clerk of the Signet, and Comptroller of the Mint, was the son and heir of Thomas Godsalve (d. 1542), registrar of the consistory court at Norwich and an owner of landed property in Norfolk. Edward...
Another 50 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Gutshal Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Gutshal family to Ireland

Some of the Gutshal family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Gutshal family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Gutshal or a variant listed above: Michael Godsil settled in Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, in 1816; William Godsell settled in Tilting in 1818; Thomas Godsell settled in Harbour Grace from County Cork in 1831.