Daniels History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Daniels

What does the name Daniels mean?

One of the most common classes of Scottish surnames is the patronymic surname, which arose out of the vernacular and religious naming traditions. The vernacular or regional naming tradition is the oldest and most pervasive type of patronymic surname. According to this custom, names were originally composed of vocabulary elements from the local language. Patronymic surnames of this type were usually derived from the personal name of the original bearer’s father. The surname Daniels is derived from the ancient name Daniel, which means God has judged. 1

Early Origins of the Daniels family

The surname Daniels was first found in Gloucestershire where Alicia Daniel was one of the first records of the name was found temp. Henry III to Edward I. Simon Danyel was later found in Somerset. 2 “The church [of Beckingon, Somerset] contains the remains of Samuel Daniel, poet-laureate and historian, who died here in 1619.” 3

Some of the family were found in Yorkshire in early times. The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 list: Beatrix Danyell; Robertus Danyell; Thomas Daniell; Oliva Danyl; and Teffan Danyll. 2

“In Devonshire the name of Daniel is now best represented in the Holsworthy district. There was a John Daneyll, of “Brighe broke,” in the hundred of Wonford, Devon, in the 13th century.” 4

Up in Scotland, the surname recorded in Aberdeen as both a forename and surname. “Daniel, son of Herleuine, witnessed a charter by Uchtred, son of Fergus, lord of Galloway, c. 1166, and another early individual of the name gave origin to the ancient barony of Danzielstoun in the parish of Kilmalcolm. By the Gaels this name was adopted as an equivalent for Donald.” 5