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The surname Speede was first found in Suffolk where in 1185, Godfrey Speed appeared on the Pipe Rolls. 1 Years later, Johannes Sped was listed in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 in Suffolk. The same rolls also listed Margaret Sped in Cambridgeshire: and Roger Sped in Oxfordshire. 2
The name could have claimed Normandy as the starting point as one source notes that the Magni Rotuli Scaccarii Normanniae lists Ivo de Spada there in 1185. 3
Other sources claim that it was a nickname as a "reference to the swiftness of the original bearers." 4 And yet another claims the name was "a font-name, wishing prosperity or good-speed to the child." 2
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Speede research. Another 45 words (3 lines of text) covering the years 1277, 1551, 1555, 1556, 1578, 1595, 1598, 1629, 1631, 1650, 1682 and 1685 are included under the topic Early Speede History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Spelling variations of this family name include: Speed, Spede, Speyde, Speede, Speid and others.
Distinguished members of the family include John Speed (c. 1551-1629), an English cartographer and historian, best known English mapmaker of the Stuart period. Born in Farndon, Cheshire, he went into the tailoring business of his father, Samuel. While working in London, he came to the attention of learned individuals who gave him an allowance to engage in full-time scholarship. Queen Elizabeth granted Speed the use of a room in the Custom House. By 1595, Speed published a map of biblical Canaan and in 1598 he presented his maps to Queen Elizabeth.
"Mr. Joseph Speed of...
Another 93 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Speede Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.