Merredord History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Wales
Ireland

The Merredord surname comes from the Welsh personal name Meredydd or Maredudd. The Old Welsh form of the name is Morgetiud; experts state that the first portion of this name may mean pomp or splendor, while the second portion is "udd," which means "lord."

Early Origins of the Merredord family

The surname Merredord was first found in Denbighshire (Welsh: Sir Ddinbych), a historic county in Northeast Wales created by the Laws in Wales Act 1536, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Merredord family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Merredord research. Another 106 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1529, 1558, 1559, 1589, 1597, 1600, 1656, 1659, 1666, 1679 and 1701 are included under the topic Early Merredord History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Merredord Spelling Variations

Compared 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. 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 Merredord name over the years has been spelled Meredith, Meradith, Meredeth, Meridith and others.

Early Notables of the Merredord family

Prominent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was Richard Meredith (sometimes Meredyth) (died 1597), Church of Ireland Bishop of Leighlin from 1589 until his death; Sir William Meredith, 1st Baronet of Leeds Abbey, Kent; Sir Richard Meredith, 2nd Baronet (died 1679), an English politician who sat in the...
Another 49 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Merredord Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Merredord family to Ireland

Some of the Merredord family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 31 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Merredord family

The 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 Merredord: Elizabeth Meredith who settled in New England in 1654; Phillip Meredith who settled in Virginia in 1635; Robert Meredith who settled in Virginia in 1663.

The Merredord 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: Heb Dduw heb ddim, a Duw a digon
Motto Translation: Without God there is nothing.