Show ContentsKadwill History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The origins of the Welsh name Kadwill go back to the ancient Celtic culture that existed in the hills and Moors of Wales. The forbears that initially held the name Kadwill once lived in the town of Kidwelly, which is situated in the Welsh region of Dyfed. The Normans noted the strategic importance of this town, which is bordered by the coastline and two minor valleys. The town features a magnificent castle which dates from the 13th century; however, this stands on the site of a previous castle built in 1094, by William de Londres. The surname Kadwill belongs to the category of habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads.

Early Origins of the Kadwill family

The surname Kadwill was first found in Dyfed a former county, and the ancient Welsh Kingdom of Pwyll, Lord of Dyfed in South-west Wales, comprised of the present day counties of Pembroke, Carmarthen, and Cardigan, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Kadwill family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kadwill research. Another 69 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1094, 1589 and 1747 are included under the topic Early Kadwill History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kadwill Spelling Variations

Although there are comparatively few Welsh surnames, they have a great many spelling variations. Variations of Welsh names began almost immediately after their acceptance within Welsh society. In the Middle Ages, it was up to priests and the few other people that recorded names in official documents to decide how to spell the names that they heard. Variations that occurred because of improper recording increased dramatically as the names were later transliterated into English. The Brythonic Celtic language of Wales, known by natives as Cymraeg, featured many highly inflected sounds that could not be properly captured by the English language. 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 were all indicated by the particular variation of one's name. The spelling variations of the name Kadwill have included Kidwelly, Kidwelley, Kidwell, Kidwall, Kedwell and others.

Early Notables of the Kadwill family

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

Migration of the Kadwill family

The Welsh began to emigrate to North America in the late 1800s and early 1900s in search of land, work, and freedom. Those that arrived helped shape the industry, commerce, and the cultural heritage of both Canada and the United States. The records regarding immigration and passenger show a number of people bearing the name Kadwill: J.H. Kidwell, who sailed to San Francisco in 1851.



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