Cogwell History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Cogwell

What does the name Cogwell mean?

The present generation of the Cogwell family is only the most recent to bear a name that dates back to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name comes from having lived in the parish of Coggleshall in the diocese of St. Albans, in the county of Essex.

Early Origins of the Cogwell family

The surname Cogwell was first found in Essex where they held a family seat from very ancient times.

Early History of the Cogwell family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cogwell research. Another 138 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1272, 1400, 1516 and 1633 are included under the topic Early Cogwell History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Cogwell Spelling Variations

Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Cogwell include Coxwell, Cogswell, Coggeshall, Coxville, Coxwells and many more.

Early Notables of the Cogwell family

More information is included under the topic Early Cogwell Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Cogwell family

Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Cogwell were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: John Coggswell of Ipswich England who sailed in the 'Angel Gabriel' from Bristol, England which was wrecked at Penaquid in 1635; Robert Coxwell, who arrived in America in 1644.