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![Show Contents]() Kidwelly History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Wales
The origins of the Welsh name Kidwelly go back to the ancient Celtic culture that existed in the hills and Moors of Wales. The forbears that initially held the name Kidwelly 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 Kidwelly belongs to the category of habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads. Early Origins of the Kidwelly familyThe surname Kidwelly 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 Kidwelly familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kidwelly research. Another 69 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1094, 1589 and 1747 are included under the topic Early Kidwelly History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Kidwelly Spelling VariationsCompared to other ancient cultures found in the British Isles, the number of Welsh surnames are relatively few, but there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations. These spelling variations began almost as soon as surname usage became common. As a result, people could not specify how to spell their own names leaving the specific recording up to the individual scribe or priest. Those recorders would then spell the names as they heard them, causing many different variations. Later, many Welsh names were recorded in English. This transliteration process was extremely imprecise since the Brythonic Celtic language of the Welsh used many sounds the English language was not accustomed to. Finally, some variations occurred by the individual's design: a branch loyalty within a family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations were indicated by spelling variations of one's name. The Kidwelly name over the years has been spelled Kidwelly, Kidwelley, Kidwell, Kidwall, Kedwell and others. Early Notables of the Kidwelly familyMore information is included under the topic Early Kidwelly Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Kidwelly familyThe 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 Kidwelly: J.H. Kidwell, who sailed to San Francisco in 1851.
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