Show ContentsWoid History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Woid is a name that was carried to England in the great wave of migration from Normandy following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Woid family lived in Leicestershire. Further research showed the name was derived from the Old English word wode, meaning wood, and indicates that the original bearer lived near a wood.

Early Origins of the Woid family

The surname Woid was first found in Leicester, where they held land in Thorpe Arnold, under the Earl of Leicester. They were descended from Ernald de Vosco, a Norman knight, who came to Britain with the Norman invasion of 1066. After losing these lands, the main branch of the family moved north to Dumfriesshire, Scotland where they held a family seat from about 1150.

Early History of the Woid family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Woid research. Another 197 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1350, 1455, 1478, 1486, 1488, 1495, 1500, 1502, 1539, 1597, 1604, 1610, 1622, 1654, 1661, 1666, 1671, 1672, 1675, 1682 and 1685 are included under the topic Early Woid History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Woid Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, Norman French and other languages became incorporated into English throughout the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Woid include Wood, Woods, Wode, Would, Woid, Voud, Vould and others.

Early Notables of the Woid family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Sir Thomas Wode KS (died 1502) was a British judge, appointed Justice of the Peace for Berkshire in 1478, was made a Serjeant-at-law in 1486 and in 1488 a King's Serjeant, in 1495 he was made a Puisne Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, and in 1500 he was made Chief Justice of the Common Pleas; Sir John Wood of Bonnytoun; Sir Andrew Wood (c.1455-1539) Scottish...
Another 74 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Woid Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Woid family to Ireland

Some of the Woid family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 39 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Canada Woid migration to Canada +

In England at this time, the uncertainty of the political and religious environment of the time caused many families to board ships for distant British colonies in the hopes of finding land and opportunity, and escaping persecution. The voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, though, and many arrived in North America sick, starved, and destitute. Those who did make it, however, were greeted with greater opportunities and freedoms that they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make important contributions to the young nations in which they settled. Early immigration records have shown some of the first Woids to arrive on North American shores:

Woid Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Mrs. Hannah Woid U.E. who settled in Belle Vue, Beaver Harbour, Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1783 1


The Woid 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: Tutus in undis
Motto Translation: Safe on the waves.


  1. Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X


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