Map of England showing where the Dodds arms are recorded
The Dodds 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 Dodds 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 Dodds Family in England
The family name Dodds originated in the northern regions of England as a patronymic, which means it was derived from a shortened version of a father’s given name. It is widely believed that the name evolved from a nickname for David, specifically the diminutive form Dod or Dodd. By the early 17th century, families carrying this name were well-established in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Dodds family were active participants in the local community during this period. As the name spread across the northern counties, it became a common identifier for families who lived and worked in the bustling trade centers of Yorkshire. These early ancestors were likely craftsmen or merchants who helped shape the social and economic landscape of the region during the Stuart era.
Dodds Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Dod
A medieval pet form or nickname derived from the name Roger.
This name
DoddsA patronymic surname meaning son of Dod or son of Roger.
also spelled
Dod
Dode
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 Archives: Parish Registers of York, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bullValour and generosity
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bullValour and generosity
