Show ContentsAppadghan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Appadghan can be traced to the ancient Celtic culture of Wales. Initially the name was from the personal name Adam. The surname Appadghan features the distinctive Welsh patronymic prefixes ab- and ap-. The original form of the name was ab-Adam or ap-Adam, but the prefixes have been assimilated into the surname over the course of time and the overall spelling has sometimes been extensively altered. 1

Early Origins of the Appadghan family

The surname Appadghan was first found in Denbighshire (Welsh: Sir Ddinbych), a historic county in Northeast Wales, created by the Laws in Wales Act 1536.

Early records of the name mention Thomas Apbadham of County Somerset, who was documented during the reign of Edward III (1327-1377). 2 Hoel ab Adam of the County of Shropshire was recorded in the year 1255. 3

Early History of the Appadghan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Appadghan research. Another 216 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1292, 1300, 1597, 1630 and 1754 are included under the topic Early Appadghan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Appadghan Spelling Variations

The Welsh have an extremely large amount of spelling variations of their native surnames to their credit. It was up to the priest or the scribe taking the official records to determine how the spoken name was to be made literal. As time progressed, the old Brythonic names of Wales were recorded in English, which was especially problematic since the English language had extreme difficulty recording the highly inflected sounds of Cymraeg. Spelling variations were, however, also carried out according to an individual's design: a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations could be indicated by spelling variations of one's name. The spelling variations of the name Appadghan have included Abadham, Abadam, Ab Adham, Ab Adam, Ap Adam and many more.

Early Notables of the Appadghan family

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

Migration of the Appadghan family

Many Welsh families joined their Scottish and Irish neighbors during the late 1800s and early 1900s in seeking refuge in North America. Like the Irish and Scottish, many Welsh anxiously awaited the work, freedom, and opportunities that they believed lay in North America. Those who did journey over to the United States and what became known as Canada often realized those dreams, but only through much toil and perseverance. Whenever and however these Welsh immigrants arrived in North America, they were instrumental in the creation of the industry, commerce, and cultural heritage within those two developing nations. In the immigration and passenger lists a number of early immigrants bearing the name Appadghan were found: those who migrated to North America before the 19th century and contributed to the development of a new society.



  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.
  3. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


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