Meado History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe name Meado has a long Anglo-Saxon heritage. The name comes from when a family lived in or near a meadow. The surname Meado is derived from the Old English words mæd and mædwe, which both mean meadow. The surname Meado belongs to the class of topographic surnames, which were given to people who resided near physical features such as hills, streams, churches, or types of trees. Early Origins of the Meado familyThe surname Meado was first found in Suffolk at Witnesham, a parish, in the union of Woodbridge, hundred of Carlford. "The family of Meadows, from a branch of which the present Earl Manvers is descended, have had a seat here since the time of Richard III." 1 Early History of the Meado familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Meado research. Another 90 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Meado History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Meado Spelling VariationsSpelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Meado have been found, including Meadowes, Meadows, Meadow, Meddows, Meddus, Meadus, Medus, Medis and many more. Early Notables of the Meado familyNotables of the family at this time include
Migration of the Meado family to IrelandSome of the Meado family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Meado familyFamilies began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Meado, or a variant listed above: Anne Meadowes settled with her husband in Virginia in 1684; Elizabeth Meadows and her husband settled in Annapolis in 1758; James and John Meadows settled in Philadelphia in 1860. Edmund Meadus of Poole, Dorset, settled in Newfoundland in the 1830's..
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto. Motto: Mea dos virtus Motto Translation: Virtue is my dower.
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