Wadd History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe Anglo-Saxon name Wadd comes from the given name Wade. Wadd is a patronymic surname, which belongs to the category of hereditary surnames. Many patronyms were formed when a son used his father's personal name as a surname, while others came from the personal names of famous religious and secular figures. In this case, the surname would have come from the personal name of the father, or another ancestor of the bearer. Another derivation of this surname comes from the Old English word (ge)wæd, which means to wade, and would have been given to someone who lived near a ford. Members of the Wadd family were in Durham, at Hilton Castle, since the early Middle Ages. Early Origins of the Wadd familyThe surname Wadd was first found in Durham where they held a family seat at Hilton Castle from very ancient times. Early History of the Wadd familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wadd research. Another 85 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1536, 1568, 1608, 1666, 1673, 1683, 1685, 1718, 1745, 1748 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Wadd History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Wadd Spelling VariationsBefore the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Wadd were recorded, including Wade, Waide, Waid and others. Early Notables of the Wadd familyNotables of this surname at this time include: Armigil Wade or Waad (d. 1568), 'the English Columbus,' stated on the inscription of his tombstone, composed by his son, Sir William. He is said to have sprung from an ancient Yorkshire family. "He is said to have been born at Kilnsey, near Coniston, and his mother's maiden name is given as Comyn. On the dissolution of the monasteries Kilnsey was granted to Sir Richard Gresham, to whom Armagil may have owed his introduction at court. In 1536 he joined as an adventurer in Hore's voyage to North America. After about two months'... Migration of the Wadd family to IrelandSome of the Wadd family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Wadd family emigrate to North America: Wadd Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
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