| ![Show Contents]() Meddaugh History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
The ancient history of the Meddaugh name begins with the ancient Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from when the family resided in or near a meadow. The surname Meddaugh is derived from the Old English words mæd and mædwe, which both mean meadow. The surname Meddaugh 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 Meddaugh familyThe surname Meddaugh 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 Meddaugh familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Meddaugh research. Another 90 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Meddaugh History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Meddaugh Spelling VariationsUntil quite recently, the English language has lacked a definite system of spelling rules. Consequently, Anglo-Saxon surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. Changes in Anglo-Saxon names were influenced by the evolution of the English language, as it incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other languages. Although Medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, so it is common to find one person referred to by several different spellings of his surname, even the most literate people varied the spelling of their own names. Variations of the name Meddaugh include Meadowes, Meadows, Meadow, Meddows, Meddus, Meadus, Medus, Medis and many more. Early Notables of the Meddaugh familyMore information is included under the topic Early Meddaugh Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.  Migration of the Meddaugh family to Ireland
Some of the Meddaugh 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.
| Meddaugh migration to the United States | + |
Searching for a better life, many English families migrated to British colonies. Unfortunately, the majority of them traveled under extremely harsh conditions: overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the ocean. For those families that arrived safely, modest prosperity was attainable, and many went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the new colonies. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Meddaugh or a variant listed above:
Meddaugh Settlers in United States in the 20th Century- Mrs. E. W. Meddaugh, aged 57, arrived in New York in 1907 aboard the ship "Kaiserin Augusta Victoria" from Cherbourg, France 2
- Walter D. Meddaugh, aged 42, arrived in New York City, New York in 1910 aboard the ship "Baltic" from Liverpool, England 2
| Contemporary Notables of the name Meddaugh (post 1700) | + |
- John Meddaugh, American businessman, co-founder of ThunderCloud Subs, an American submarine sandwich franchise based in Austin, Texas in 1975
- Susan Meddaugh, American illustrator and author, best known for her book Martha Speaks, a children's picture book published in 1992, the basis of an American-Canadian animated children's television series
- Elijah W. Meddaugh, American Republican politician, Alternate Delegate to Republican National Convention from Michigan, 1872; Member of Michigan State Constitutional Commission 1st District, 1873 3
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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Meddaugh migration to the United States 
England
Ireland
