Nofty History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Nofty is a name that came to England in the 11th century wave of migration that was set off by the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Nofty family lived in Guernsey. Their name, however, is a reference to the Bailiwick of Neufchatel-en-Dary, Normandy, the family's place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. 1

Early Origins of the Nofty family

The surname Nofty was first found in Guernsey where they held a family seat from very early times and acquired the lands of Noftall. They were originally from Fief of Bully, held by Robert Mellevilla in the Bailiwick of Neufchatel-en-Dary in Normandy. In 1184 Engueran (Ingram) de Moncellis held Neufchatel according to the Norman Exchequer Rolls of 1184. They were conjecturally descended from Neufchatel. This family also held the lands of Nun Coton in Lincolnshire.

Early History of the Nofty family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Nofty research. Another 29 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Nofty History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Nofty Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Nofty has been recorded under many different variations, including Noftall, Noftle, Naftel, Nofty, Noftal and many more.

Early Notables of the Nofty family

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

Nofty migration to Canada +

To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Noftys were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America:

Nofty Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Peter Nofty who settled in Broad Cove, Newfoundland, in 1783 2

Nofty Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Hugh and Joseph Nofty, who were in Pouch Cove, Newfoundland in 1871 2

Citations +

The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
Seary E.R., Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland, Montreal: McGill's-Queen's Universtity Press 1998 ISBN 0-7735-1782-0