Stedday History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Stedday is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was name for a man of mettle, or someone noted for his high spirits. In this case, this surname is derived from the Old English word steda, which means stud-horse or stallion.

Early Origins of the Stedday family

The surname Stedday was first found in Yorkshire. "This surname is derived from a geographical locality, 'at the stead,' a place, a station, a settlement; compare homestead, market-stead (= market-place). A great Yorkshire surname. The Market-place, Manchester, was the Market-stead till the close of the last century. The Market-stead, Ulverston, is commonly so set down in the parish registers till 1790. " 1

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 has only one listing of the family: John Stede, Suffolk; while the Yorkshire Polls Tax Rolls of 1379 include: Robertas del Stede; Ricardus del Stede; Petrus del Stede; and Laurence del Stede underlining the importance of the Yorkshire heritage versus any other.

Early History of the Stedday family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Stedday research. Another 125 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1376, 1417, 1581, 1588, 1619, 1701, 1735 and 1796 are included under the topic Early Stedday History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Stedday Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Stedday have been found, including Stead, Steed and others.

Early Notables of the Stedday family

Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Stedday Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Stedday family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become powerful new nations. Among early immigrants of the Stedday surname to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were: Thomas Stead who settled in Virginia in 1649; Elizabeth Stead settled in Nevis in 1660; another Elizabeth settled in New York State in 1774; Thomas Stead settled in Cape Fear N.C. in 1774.

Citations +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)