Bedward History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Wales

Early Origins of the Bedward family

The surname Bedward was first found in Merionethshire (Welsh: Sir Feirionnydd), made a county in Northwest Wales in 1284, and anciently part of the kingdom of Gwynedd, where they held a family seat.

The name is derived from the Welsh "ap" or "ab" (son) of "Edward." 1

One of the first records was Dafydd (David) ap Edward ap Hoell who was listed in 1498. 1 In 1536, Hoell ap Bedward held a family seat in Merionethshire. Later in England, we found John Bedhard listed as a Freeman of York in 1643. John Bedward was a Freeman in Chester in 1747. 2

Early History of the Bedward family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bedward research. Another 116 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1556, 1581, 1629, 1647 and 1753 are included under the topic Early Bedward History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bedward Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Bedward, Bedwart, Beddard, Bedard, Bettard, Betward, Betard, Abeddart, Abeddard, Bederd, Bedwood and many more.

Early Notables of the Bedward family

Prominent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was

the Bedward family of Merioneth

Bedward migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Bedward Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Rhoda Bedward, aged 24, who immigrated to the United States from St. Elizebeth, Jamacia, in 1919
Marie Bedward, aged 19, who settled in America from Colon, Panama, in 1921
David Bedward, aged 39, who immigrated to the United States, in 1922

Contemporary Notables of the name Bedward (post 1700) +

Alexander Bedward (d. 1930), Jamaican religious leader

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)