Show ContentsPridham History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Pridham surname in England is of Norman origins, thought to have originally been a nickname from the Old French "prud’homme" meaning "wise man."

Early Origins of the Pridham family

The surname Pridham was first found in Wiltshire, and Surrey. where Gilbert Prodhome or Prudume was on record in the Pipe Rolls in the 12th century. The name Roger Prodomme or Prodhomme was recorded in the Feet of Fines of Essex in 1284, and in 1326. The place named Pridhamsleigh, in Devon is named for John Prodhomme, who lived there in 1281. Like many Norman names, Pridham made its way to Scotland, where the first record of the name was of Willelmus Prodomme of Scotia, a mercator who had safe conduct to England in 1373.

Early History of the Pridham family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Pridham research. Another 74 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1454, 1476, 1597, 1609, 1675, 1687, 1708, 1709 and 1737 are included under the topic Early Pridham History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Pridham Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Prudholm, Prudham, Prodhamn, Proudhome, Prudholme, Prudhome, Prodomme, Purdomme, Purdon, Purdholm and many more.

Early Notables of the Pridham family

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

Ireland Migration of the Pridham family to Ireland

Some of the Pridham family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 105 words (8 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Canada Pridham migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Pridham Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • James Pridham, who settled in Petty Harbour in 1813

Australia Pridham migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Pridham Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. John Pridham (b. 1790), aged 28, Cornish settler convicted in Cornwall, UK on 3rd August 1818, sentenced for 7 years, transported aboard the ship "John Barry" in April 1819 to Australia 1
  • Mr. Robert Pridham, British convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life, transported aboard the "Asia" on 29th September 1831, settling in New South Wales, Australia 2
  • James Pridham, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Pakenham" in 1849 3

Contemporary Notables of the name Pridham (post 1700) +

  • Edwin S. Pridham (1881-1963), American co-founder of Commercial Wireless and Development Co., in 1911; he co-invented and co-patented the first anti-noise self-neutralizing microphone in 1917
  • Alexander Pridham, American politician, U.S. Consular Agent in Grenville, 1884
  • Colby Pridham (b. 1987), Canadian professional ice hockey player
  • Mackenzie Charles Pridham (b. 1990), Canadian soccer player who has played professionally since 2014
  • Andrew Pridham (b. 1966), Australian investment banker and sports executive, CEO of Moelis & Company, Chairman of AFL Club the Sydney Swans
  • Leslie "Les" Pridham (b. 1937), former Australian rules footballer who played for Essendon in 1957
  • William Pridham (1841-1919), English-born, Canadian drover and politician in Ontario who represented Perth South in the Canadian House of Commons from 1892 to 1896
  • Admiral Sir Henry Daniel Pridham KCB, CB, CVO (1885-1952), British Royal Navy officer
  • Chris Pridham (b. 1965), Canadian former touring professional tennis player


  1. Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 30th May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_australia_convicts.pdf
  2. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 12th January 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/asia/1831
  3. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) The PAKENHAM 1849. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1849Pakenham.htm


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