Show ContentsMeddows History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Meddows first arose amongst the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is derived from their having lived in or near a meadow. The surname Meddows is derived from the Old English words mæd and mædwe, which both mean meadow. The surname Meddows 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 Meddows family

The surname Meddows 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 Meddows family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Meddows research. Another 90 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Meddows History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Meddows Spelling Variations

One relatively recent invention that did much to standardize English spelling was the printing press. However, before its invention even the most literate people recorded their names according to sound rather than spelling. The spelling variations under which the name Meddows has appeared include Meadowes, Meadows, Meadow, Meddows, Meddus, Meadus, Medus, Medis and many more.

Early Notables of the Meddows family

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

Ireland Migration of the Meddows family to Ireland

Some of the Meddows 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.


United States Meddows migration to the United States +

At this time, the shores of the New World beckoned many English families that felt that the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. Thousands left England at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. A great portion of these settlers never survived the journey and even a greater number arrived sick, starving, and without a penny. The survivors, however, were often greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. These English settlers made significant contributions to those colonies that would eventually become the United States and Canada. An examination of early immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Meddows arrived in North America very early:

Meddows Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Harry Meddows, aged 57, originally from Little Lever, who arrived in New York in 1900 aboard the ship "Campania" from Liverpool, England [2]
  • Emma Meddows, aged 37, originally from Origaba, Mexico, who arrived in New York in 1916 aboard the ship "Monterey" from Vera Cruz, Mexico [2]
  • Ethel Meddows, aged 6, originally from Origaba, Mexico, who arrived in New York in 1916 aboard the ship "Monterey" from Vera Cruz, Mexico [2]


The Meddows Motto +

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.


  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  2. Ellis Island Search retrieved 15th November 2022. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result


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