Ridoutt History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Ridoutt is an ancient Norman name that arrived in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Ridoutt family lived in Somerset and Yorkshire. There are many thoughts about the origin of the name. Generally, the most logical explanation is that the name was derived from the term redoubt which was a military fortification. 1

Early Origins of the Ridoutt family

The surname Ridoutt was first found in Somerset, where the first on record was Elyas Rydhut listed in that county in the Hundredorum Rolls in 1274. 2 John Ridut was listed in the Assize Rolls of Somerset in 1276 and 1278. 3 There was a Ridout family established early in Edgbaston near Birmingham, and another in Yorkshire, where they intermarried with the distinguished Yorkshire family of Strangeways. A William Rydhowt was on record in the Poll Tax of Yorkshire in 1379. 2

Early History of the Ridoutt family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ridoutt research. Another 39 words (3 lines of text) covering the year 1696 is included under the topic Early Ridoutt History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ridoutt Spelling Variations

Norman surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. The frequent changes in surnames are largely due to the fact that the Old and Middle English languages lacked definite spelling rules. The introduction of Norman French to England, as well as the official court languages of Latin and French, also had pronounced influences on the spelling of surnames. Since medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to any specific spelling rules, it was common to find the same individual referred to with different spellings. The name has been spelled Ridout, Rideout and others.

Early Notables of the Ridoutt family

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

Migration of the Ridoutt family

Many English families emigrated to North American colonies in order to escape the political chaos in Britain at this time. Unfortunately, many English families made the trip to the New World under extremely harsh conditions. Overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the stormy Atlantic. Despite these hardships, many of the families prospered and went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the United States and Canada. Early North American immigration records have revealed a number of people bearing the name Ridoutt or a variant listed above: James Rideout, who arrived in Massachusetts in 1676; Thomas Ridout who settled in New England in 1757; John Ridout, a bonded passenger, who came to America in 1767.

The Ridoutt 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: Toutz foitz chevalier
Motto Translation: Always a knight.

Citations +

Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. 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)
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)