Hoadlay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The present generation of the Hoadlay 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 East Hoathly (Hoathley) or West Hoathly (Hoathley), parishes in Sussex. "Of the truth of this derivation there can be no doubt." [1]

Of the two, West Hoathley is the oldest, dating back to 1121 when it was known as Hadlega. East Hoathley dates back to 1287 when it was known as Hodlegh. Both literally mean "heathy woodland clearing" or "woodland clearing where heather grows." [2]

Early Origins of the Hoadlay family

The surname Hoadlay was first found in Sussex, where William de Hodlegh was listed in the Subsidy Rolls in 1296. [3]

Early History of the Hoadlay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hoadlay research. Another 63 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1616, 1798, 1676, 1761, 1706, 1757, 1706, 1711, 1776, 1711, 1676, 1761, 1678, 1746, 1678, 1676, 1761, 1643 and 1705 are included under the topic Early Hoadlay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hoadlay 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 Hoadlay include Hoadley, Hoadly, Hodly, Hoadely, Hodely and others.

Early Notables of the Hoadlay family (pre 1700)

Distinguished members of the family include Benjamin Hoadly (1676-1761), Bishop of Bangor, Hereford, Salisbury and Winchester, who was born in Westerham, Kent. John Hoadly, Archbishop of Armagh [q. v.], was his brother. Benjamin Hoadly (1706-1757), was an English physician, son of Benjamin Hoadly, Bishop of Winchester [q. v.] and was born on 10 February 1706 in Broad Street, London. John Hoadly (1711-1776), was an English poet...
Another 65 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hoadlay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Hoadlay 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 Hoadlay were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: John Hoadley, who sailed to New England in 1640 and Mrs. Hoadley, to San Francisco with her children in 1860.

The Hoadlay 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: Veritas et patria
Motto Translation: Truth and faith.

Citations +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)