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The Adnam family name dates back to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. The name comes from when an early member worked as a soldier. The surname Adnam literally means noble protector. The name was derived from the Old English adel helm which literally means "eagle shield." 1
Another source claims the name was "from adel, meaning fine, noble, and ham, meaning a village or castle. " 2
The surname Adnam was first found in the county of Somerset in south western England where, it is said the family had been settled centuries before the Norman Conquest in 1066 A.D.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Adnam research. Another 82 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1631, 1659, 1677, 1750 and 1823 are included under the topic Early Adnam History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Adnam has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Adnam have been found, including Headlam, Adhelm, Eadhelm, Adelhelm, Addlam, Adlum, Adlam and many more.
Notables of this surname at this time include: Captain W. Adlam, who fought with the "Roundheads" (Parliamentarians) during the English Civil War of the 17th century; and Captain S. Adlam, who fought in the French wars in Canada.
Richard Edlin or...
Another 40 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Adnam Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Adnams to arrive on North American shores: