Show ContentsWaddkenson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

First composed in the countryside now known as Wales, the ancient name of Waddkenson began its life as a name for a the personal name Walter. The surname Waddkenson is derived from the pet form Wat, which is supplemented by the common diminutive suffix -kin and the patronymic suffix -son, which superseded other patronymic suffixes during the 14th century.

Early Origins of the Waddkenson family

The surname Waddkenson was first found in Yorkshire, at Beeston and Ilkley where they held a family seat from ancient times undoubtedly related to the Welsh Watkins of Pennoyre in Breconshire.

Early History of the Waddkenson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Waddkenson research. Another 79 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1665 and 1780 are included under the topic Early Waddkenson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Waddkenson Spelling Variations

Welsh surnames are relatively few in number, but they have an inordinately large number of spelling variations. There are many factors that explain the preponderance of Welsh variants, but the earliest is found during the Middle Ages when Welsh surnames came into use. Scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, which often resulted in a single person's name being inconsistently recorded over his lifetime. The transliteration of Welsh names into English also accounts for many of the spelling variations: the unique Brythonic Celtic language of the Welsh had many sounds the English language was incapable of accurately reproducing. It was also common for members of a same surname to change their names slightly, in order to signify a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations. For all of these reasons, the many spelling variations of particular Welsh names are very important. The surname Waddkenson has occasionally been spelled Watkinson, Watkisson, Watkynson, Wattkinson, Waytkinson, Waytekinson, Waitkinson, Watkenson and many more.

Early Notables of the Waddkenson family

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

Migration of the Waddkenson family

The Welsh migration to North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries contributed greatly to its rapid development. These migrants were in search of land, work, and freedom. Those Welsh families that survived the long ocean journey were critical to the development of new industries and factories, and to the quick settlement of land. They also added to an ever-growing rich cultural heritage. A search of the immigration and passenger lists has shown a number of people bearing the name Waddkenson: Elizabeth Watkinson settled in New England in 1718; John Watkinson settled in Barbados in 1634; John Watkinson settled in New York state in 1774; Elizabeth settled in New York State in 1820 along with Thomas, Peter and Maria..



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