| ![Show Contents]() Riddler History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Early Origins of the Riddler familyThe surname Riddler 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. Riddler 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 Riddler 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 Riddler were certainly a most influential family. Early History of the Riddler familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Riddler research. Another 114 words (8 lines of text) covering the year 1628 is included under the topic Early Riddler History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Riddler Spelling VariationsSpelling variations of this family name include: Riddel, Riddle, Riddall, Ridal, Ridel, Riddle, Riddler, Riddell, De Riddler and many more. Early Notables of the Riddler familyMore information is included under the topic Early Riddler Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
 Riddler migration to the United States | + |
Some of the first settlers of this family name were: Riddler Settlers in United States in the 19th Century- John Jamieson Riddler, who settled in Illinois from Scotland
| Riddler migration to Australia | + |
Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include: Riddler Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century- William Riddler, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "John Mitchell" in 1849 1
| Riddler migration to New Zealand | + |
Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include: Riddler Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century- Mr. William Riddler, (b. 1799), aged 43, British settler travelling from London and Plymouth aboard the ship "Thomas Sparks" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 31st January 1843, the ship stuck rocks of the coast of Cape of Good Hope delaying her landing by 2 months 2
- Mrs. Elizabeth Riddler, (b. 1809), aged 33, British settler travelling from London and Plymouth aboard the ship "Thomas Sparks" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 31st January 1843, the ship stuck rocks of the coast of Cape of Good Hope delaying her landing by 2 months 2
- Miss Eliza Riddler, (b. 1840), aged 2, British settler travelling from London and Plymouth aboard the ship "Thomas Sparks" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 31st January 1843, the ship stuck rocks of the coast of Cape of Good Hope delaying her landing by 2 months 2
- Miss Mary Ann Riddler, (b. 1842), aged Infant, British settler born aboard the ship "Thomas Sparks" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 31st January 1843, the ship stuck rocks of the coast of Cape of Good Hope delaying her landing by 2 months 2
| Contemporary Notables of the name Riddler (post 1700) | + |
- DJ Riddler, born Richie Pangilinan, an American dance DJ, producer, remixer, music director
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Riddler migration to the United States 
Riddler migration to Australia 
Riddler migration to New Zealand 
Belgium
England
Scotland
