Giddens History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

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Wales

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The Celtic name of Giddens was derived from the rugged landscape of Wales. This old, proud name is from the Welsh personal name Gethin. According to some experts, this forename is derived from the word "cethin," which means "dusky" or "dark."

Early Origins of the Giddens family

The surname Giddens was first found in Cheshire, where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor near Malpas. The main stem of the family is said to be descended from David Goch, a Welsh chieftain, Lord of Penmachno of Fedwdeg. One of the oldest records of the name was Rhys Gethin (died 1405), Welsh standard bearer and a leading general in the revolt of Owain Glyndwr in which he led an army which captured several castles in South Wales; and later Ieuan Gethin ap Ieuan ap Lleision (fl. c. 1450) was a Welsh language poet and gentleman from Baglan, Glamorgan. A large number of his own poems remain in existence today.

Early History of the Giddens family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Giddens research. Another 119 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1402, 1405, 1585, 1615, 1652, 1674, 1676, 1685, 1697, 1698, 1709, 1725, 1765 and 1778 are included under the topic Early Giddens History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Giddens 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 Giddens has occasionally been spelled Gethin, Gethyn, Gethyns, Gethyng, Gethings, Gething, Gethinge, Getting, Gettings, Gittings, Gittens, Gittins, Gidding, Giddings, Gettins, Giddens, Giddins, Gidden, Giddens, Gettens, Gitting and many more.

Early Notables of the Giddens family

Prominent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was Rhys Gethin (died 1405), key figure in the revolt of Owain Glyndwr, standard bearer and a leading general, took part in the crucial Welsh victory at the Battle of Bryn Glas (1402), led an army which captured several castles in South Wales, killed at either the Battle of Pwll Melyn or the Battle of Grosmont in 1405. Lady Grace Gethin (1676-1697), was...
Another 71 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Giddens Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Giddens Ranking

In the United States, the name Giddens is the 5,369^th most popular surname with an estimated 4,974 people with that name. 1

Migration of the Giddens family to Ireland

Some of the Giddens family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 74 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Giddens migration to the United States +

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 Giddens:

Giddens Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Geo. Giddens, aged 36, who landed in America from Hereford, in 1892
Mrs. G. Giddens, aged 26, who immigrated to the United States, in 1893

Giddens Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

William Samuel Giddens, aged 23, who settled in America from Brantford, in 1904
George Giddens, aged 45, who landed in America from London, in 1906
Alfred C. Giddens, aged 31, who immigrated to the United States, in 1909
George G. Giddens, aged 45, who settled in America from London, England, in 1910
Katherine Giddens, aged 37, who landed in America from London, England, in 1911
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Giddens migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Giddens Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century

Francis Giddens, aged 36, who arrived at Ottawa, Canada, in 1910

Giddens migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Giddens Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Charles Giddens, aged 18, who arrived in South Australia in 1852 aboard the ship "Epaminondas" 2

Giddens 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:

Giddens Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

George Giddens, aged 4, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Martha Ridgeway" in 1840
William Giddens, aged 2, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Martha Ridgeway" in 1840
Mr. George Giddens, (b. 1836), aged 4, British settler, son of Mrs. Mary Reed from her first marriage to Mr. George Giddens travelling from England aboard the ship "Martha Ridgway" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 14th November 1840 3
Mr. William Giddens, (b. 1838), aged 2, British settler, son of Mrs. Mary Reed from her first marriage to Mr. George Giddens travelling from England aboard the ship "Martha Ridgway" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 14th November 1840 3

Contemporary Notables of the name Giddens (post 1700) +

Don Giddens, Dean of the College of Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology (2002 to 2011)
Rebecca Giddens (b. 1977), American gold, silver and bronze medalist slalom canoer
Justin Ray "J.R." Giddens (b. 1985), American professional basketball player
Albert Lee Giddens (b. 1947), renowned Texas Trial lawyer
Eric Giddens (b. 1973), American Olympic slalom canoer
Kenneth R. Giddens (1908-1993), American architect and movie theater owner
Rebecca Giddens (b. 1977), American Olympic slalom canoer
J. F. Giddens, American politician, Delegate to Alabama convention to ratify 21st amendment from Pike County, 1933 4
I. S. Giddens, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Florida, 1908 4
Debra Giddens, American Republican politician, Delegate to Republican National Convention from Georgia, 2008 4
... (Another 7 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)