Padam History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland
Ireland

The ancestors of the Padam family come from the ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. Their surname comes from the personal name Paidean. The Gaelic forms of the surname are Mac Phadein or Mac Phaidin, both of which mean son of Paidean or little Pat. 1

Early Origins of the Padam family

The surname Padam was first found in Kintyre, where the late Rev. J. G. Campbell says: "MacFadyens were said to have been the first possessors of Lochbuie, and when expelled they became a race of wandering artificers, Sliochd nan or-cheard-the race of goldsmiths in Mull."

"The earliest record of the name is in 1304 when Malcolm Macpadene appears as a charter witness at Achichendone in Kintyre. Conghan MacPaden petitioned for the archdeaconry of Argyll in 1390. John McFadyeane is in record in Edinburgh in 1457, and in 1473 a composition was made with Donald M'Fadzeane in Kirkcudbright." 1

Early History of the Padam family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Padam research. Another 417 words (30 lines of text) covering the years 1499, 1507, 1511, 1532, 1540, 1618, 1620, 1628, 1641, 1643, 1672, 1675, 1681, 1684, 1733, 1737, 1741, 1769, 1794 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Padam History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Padam Spelling Variations

Medieval spelling was at best an intuitive process, and translation between Gaelic and English was no more effective. These factors caused an enormous number of spelling variations in Dalriadan names. In fact, it was not uncommon to see a father and son who spelled their name differently. Over the years, Padam has been spelled McFadyen, Fadden, Fadyen, Faden, McFadin, Fadin, McFadwyn, Fadwyn, McFadyean, McFadyon, McFayden, Feyden and many more.

Early Notables of the Padam family

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

Migration of the Padam family to Ireland

Some of the Padam family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 75 words (5 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 Padam family

Settlers from Scotland put down roots in communities all along the east coast of North America. Some moved north from the American colonies to Canada as United Empire Loyalists during the American War of Independence. As Clan societies and highland games started in North America in the 20th century many Scots rediscovered parts of their heritage. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Padam were among those contributors: Alexander, Andrew, Bernard, Catherine, Charles, Cornelius, Daniel, Dennis, Douglas, Edward, Fergus, Francis, George, Hugh, James, John, Michael, Patrick, Robert, Samuel, Thomas, William McFadden, who all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1865. Andrew, Edward, James, Thomas McFaden settled in New Hampshire in 1718.

Citations +

Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)