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![Show Contents]() Kidweley History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Wales
The origins of the Welsh name Kidweley go back to the ancient Celtic culture that existed in the hills and Moors of Wales. The forbears that initially held the name Kidweley 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 Kidweley belongs to the category of habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads. Early Origins of the Kidweley familyThe surname Kidweley 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 Kidweley familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kidweley research. Another 69 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1094, 1589 and 1747 are included under the topic Early Kidweley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Kidweley Spelling VariationsAlthough 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 Kidweley have included Kidwelly, Kidwelley, Kidwell, Kidwall, Kedwell and others. Early Notables of the Kidweley familyMore information is included under the topic Early Kidweley Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Kidweley familyMany people from Wales joined the general migration to North America in the 19th and 20th centuries, searching for land, work, and freedom. Like the many other immigrants from the British Isles, they made a significant contribution to the development of Canada and the United States. The Welsh and their descendents added a rich cultural tradition to the newly developed towns, cities, and villages. An investigation of the immigration and passenger lists has revealed a number of people bearing the name Kidweley: J.H. Kidwell, who sailed to San Francisco in 1851.
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