Donvile is a name of ancient Norman origin. It arrived in England
with the Norman Conquest
of 1066. The Donvile family lived in Cheshire
. The family was originally from Dumville, in the arrondisement of Lisieux in Normandy
Early Origins of the Donvile family
The surname Donvile was first found in Cheshire
where the family was originally of Donville in the arrondisement of Lisieux in Normandy
. The family held estates at Thingwell in Cheshire
in early times. "In the reign of Richard II. this place was held by the Domvilles, from whom it passed, through the Hulses and the Troutbecks, to the ancestors of the Earl of Shrewsbury." CITATION[CLOSE]
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Early History of the Donvile family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Donvile research.Another 93 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1565, 1624, 1742, 1833, 1813, 1613, 1609, 1689, 1650, 1721, 1696 and 1768 are included under the topic Early Donvile History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Donvile Spelling Variations
Multitudes of spelling variations
are a hallmark of Anglo Norman names. Most of these names evolved in the 11th and 12th century, in the time after the Normans
introduced their own Norman French language into a country where Old and Middle English had no spelling rules and the languages of the court were French and Latin. To make matters worse, medieval scribes spelled words according to sound, so names frequently appeared differently in the various documents in which they were recorded. The name was spelled Domvile, Domville, Donvill, Donville, Dunville and many more.
Early Notables of the Donvile family (pre 1700)
More information is included under the topic Early Donvile Notables in all our PDF Extended History products
and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Donvile family to Ireland
Some of the Donvile family moved to Ireland
, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.Another 134 words (10 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Donvile family to the New World and Oceana
Because of this political and religious unrest within English society, many people decided to immigrate to the colonies. Families left for Ireland
, North America, and Australia
in enormous numbers, travelling at high cost in extremely inhospitable conditions. The New World in particular was a desirable destination, but the long voyage caused many to arrive sick and starving. Those who made it, though, were welcomed by opportunities far greater than they had known at home in England
. Many of these families went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Donvile or a variant listed above: Edward Dumbrell, who came to Maryland in 1719; Patrick Domvile, who landed in America in 1754; as well as a Major Domville, who came to Halifax, N.S. in 1796..
The Donvile 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: Qui stat caveat ne cadat
Motto Translation: Let him who standeth take heed lest he fall.
Donvile Family Crest Products
- ^ Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.