Riddel History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Riddel was first found in Belgium, where the name became noted for its many branches in the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the region. Riddel is of Norman origin, the surname having been created from the personal name Ridel. The source of this personal name is somewhat uncertain: some scholars think it may come from the Old French word 'ridel,' which meant "small hill," others cite the Germanic word 'rid,' which meant "ride." The Normans, originally of Viking origin established their presence in Normandy in the 900s, and by the second half of the 11th century held present day Belgium, Holland, most of France, much of the British Isles, Southern Italy, and parts of Spain. Forms of this surname likely traveled amongst Norman controlled territories. The name was a baronial name in Aquitaine, France, where the first recorded instance of Riddel is of Gerard Riddell, Baron of Blaye, who was granted lands of the Abbey of Fons Dulcis near Bordeaux in circa 1030. One branch of the family possessed estates in Normandy in 1165. A Geoffry Ridel, recorded in Normandy in 1180 was later recorded in Scotland and received grants from King David I. The name is also known to have accompanied William I's Norman Conquest of England, which began in 1066. Bearers of Riddel were certainly a most influential family.