Rendel History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Germany
Ireland

The rich and ancient history of the Rendel family name dates back to the time of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It comes from the baptismal name Randel. In this case the surname Rendel was a diminutive of the personal name Rand, a short form of various German names with the first element rand meaning shield or wolf. 1

Alternatively, the name was derived from the name of an ancestor as in 'the son of Randolph,' from the nickname Randle. As such, the earliest records of the family were as a forename as in Randle de Arclet, Cheshire, temp. 1290. 2

Early Origins of the Rendel family

The surname Rendel was first found in the parish of Ladock in Cornwall. "Hay, which was formerly deemed a genteel residence, was successively a seat of the families of Randyll, Tregain, and Bone." 3

Early History of the Rendel family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rendel research. Another 95 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1436, 1570, 1581, 1587, 1592, 1598, 1622, 1758, 1781, 1799, 1815, 1822 and 1856 are included under the topic Early Rendel History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rendel Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Rendel have been found, including Randall, Rendle, Randal, Rendel, Rendell and others.

Early Notables of the Rendel family

Notables of the family at this time include

James Meadows Rendel (1799-1856), engineer, son of a farmer and surveyor, was born near Okehampton, Devonshire, in 1799. He was initiated into the operations of a millwright under an uncle at Teignmou...

Migration of the Rendel family to Ireland

Some of the Rendel family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 34 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rendel migration to the United States +

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Among the first immigrants of the name Rendel, or a variant listed above to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were :

Rendel Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

John Peter Rendel, who settled in America in 1709 with his wife and daughter

Contemporary Notables of the name Rendel (post 1700) +

Gerald Rendel, American Republican politician, Candidate in primary for Delegate to Michigan State Constitutional Convention from Van Buren County, 1961 4
Betty J. Rendel (1920-1999), American Republican politician, Vice-chair of Indiana Republican Party, 1972-80; Delegate to Republican National Convention from Indiana, 1972, 1980; Presidential Elector for Indiana, 1992 4
James Meadows Rendel (1799-1856), English engineer, son of a farmer and surveyor, born near Okehampton, Devonshire
David Digby Rendel (1949-2016), British politician, Member of Parliament for Newbury (1993-2005)
Stuart Rendel (1834-1913), 1st Baron Rendel of Hatchlands, Liberal Party Member of Parliament for Montgomeryshire
James Meadows Rendel (1915-2001), Australian agricultural scientist
George Wightwick Rendel (1833-1902), British engineer, and naval architect
Sir Alexander Meadows Rendel (1828-1918), British civil engineer
George William Rendel (1889-1979), British diplomat
Dr. Rendel Pease (1922-2004), English physicist, known for his nuclear fusion research

The Rendel 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: Nil extra numerum
Motto Translation: Nothing out of time.

Citations +

Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print
The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2016, January 21) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html