Maddis History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

It was among those Anglo-Saxon tribes that once ruled over Britain that the name Maddis was formed. The name was derived from the baptismal name Matilda, a popular woman's name in the 11th century.

Early Origins of the Maddis family

The surname Maddis was first found in Durham where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Maddis family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Maddis research. Another 91 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Maddis History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Maddis 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 Maddis include Madison, Maddison, Maddeson and others.

Early Notables of the Maddis family

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

Migration of the Maddis 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 Maddis were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: Isaac and Mary Maddeson, who settled in Virginia in 1623; Captain Maddison, who settled in Virginia in 1626; John and Mary Maddison, who settled in Virginia in 1624.

The Maddis 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: Vae timido
Motto Translation: Woe to the timid.