Map of England showing where the Dodd arms are recorded
The Dodd arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Dodd arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of England.
Origin & History of the Dodd Family in England
The surname Dodd has deep roots in England, particularly in the northern regions where the family established a presence centuries ago. The name is believed to originate from an Old English term that served as a nickname for a person with a rounded or stout build. By the early 17th century, members of the Dodd family were well-established in the historic city of York. These early ancestors were often involved in the local trade and civic life of the city, which was a major hub for commerce and religion at the time. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of Yorkshire, contributing to the development of the region through their work and community involvement. Their presence in York by 1620 suggests that they were settled residents who played a role in the daily life of one of England’s most significant northern cities.
Dodd Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Dodda
An Old English personal name derived from a term meaning rounded.
This name
DoddA patronymic surname originating as a nickname for a person with a rounded appearance.
also spelled
Dode
Related arms
Dodevariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
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crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
