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![Show Contents]() Idom History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 England
The name Idom arrived in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name Idom comes from the Old Norman female personal name Idunn, which is thought to be composed of the elements idja, which means to work or perform, and unna, which means to love. While most surnames adapted from personal names descend through patronymic lineage, the name Iddon is a relatively rare case of a metronymic name. While patronymic lineage was traditional in Norman society, in cases such as when a man had a second family and wished to distinguish between the two groups the children may have adopted the name of the mother. Early Origins of the Idom familyThe surname Idom was first found in Sussex where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor of Iden. The village of Iden appeared in the Domesday Book, 1 a census taken by Duke William of Normandy in 1086 after his conquest of England in 1066 A.D. At this time the village was held by Geoffrey and Leofwin from the Count of Eu, the tenant-in-chief. Conjecturally this family name is descended from one of those Norman nobles. The village, originally spelt 'Idene' is the name of a Norse goddess. From about the 16th century the name was more popularly spelt Iddon. In Hemyock, Devon, we found this interesting passage: "The Hidons built a castle here, of which there are yet important remains, including the main gateway and its towers, and part of the general cincture. It is an edifice of great strength, and of some peculiar characteristics Early Edwardian in general character ; but of its history absolutely nothing seems to be known, save that it was garrisoned by the Roundheads, and used by them as a prison." 2 Early History of the Idom familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Idom research. Another 64 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Idom History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Idom Spelling VariationsEndless spelling variations are a prevailing characteristic of Norman surnames. Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules, and the introduction of Norman French added an unfamiliar ingredient to the English linguistic stew. French and Latin, the languages of the court, also influenced spellings. Finally, Medieval scribes generally spelled words according to how they sounded, so one person was often referred to by different spellings in different documents. The name has been spelled Iddon, Idon, Iden, Idens, Iddin, Iddins, Hidden and many more. Early Notables of the Idom familyMore information is included under the topic Early Idom Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Idom familyTo escape the political and religious persecution within England at the time, many English families left for the various British colonies abroad. The voyage was extremely difficult, though, and the cramped, dank ships caused many to arrive in the New World diseased and starving. But for those who made it, the trip was most often worth it. Many of the families who arrived went on to make valuable contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name Idom or a variant listed above: E. Hidden who settled in New York State in 1823; Sarah Hiden settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1764; Frederick Iddins settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1837.
- Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
- Worth, R.N., A History of Devonshire London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, E.G., 1895. Digital
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