Show ContentsApadham History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Apadham is an ancient Celtic name that was created in the rugged landscape Wales. Apadham was originally taken from the personal name Adam. The surname Apadham features the distinctive Welsh patronymic prefixes ab- and ap-. The original form of the name was ab-Adam or ap-Adam, but the prefixes have been assimilated into the surname over the course of time and the overall spelling has sometimes been extensively altered. 1

Early Origins of the Apadham family

The surname Apadham was first found in Denbighshire (Welsh: Sir Ddinbych), a historic county in Northeast Wales, created by the Laws in Wales Act 1536.

Early records of the name mention Thomas Apbadham of County Somerset, who was documented during the reign of Edward III (1327-1377). 2 Hoel ab Adam of the County of Shropshire was recorded in the year 1255. 3

Early History of the Apadham family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Apadham research. Another 216 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1292, 1300, 1597, 1630 and 1754 are included under the topic Early Apadham History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Apadham Spelling Variations

Although there are comparatively few Welsh surnames, they have a great many spelling variations. Variations of Welsh names began almost immediately after their acceptance within Welsh society. In the Middle Ages, it was up to priests and the few other people that recorded names in official documents to decide how to spell the names that they heard. Variations that occurred because of improper recording increased dramatically as the names were later transliterated into English. The Brythonic Celtic language of Wales, known by natives as Cymraeg, featured many highly inflected sounds that could not be properly captured by the English language. Spelling variations were, however, also carried out according to an individual's design: a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations were all indicated by the particular variation of one's name. The spelling variations of the name Apadham have included Abadham, Abadam, Ab Adham, Ab Adam, Ap Adam and many more.

Early Notables of the Apadham family

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

Migration of the Apadham family

The Welsh began to emigrate to North America in the late 1800s and early 1900s in search of land, work, and freedom. Those that arrived helped shape the industry, commerce, and the cultural heritage of both Canada and the United States. The records regarding immigration and passenger show a number of people bearing the name Apadham: those who migrated to North America before the 19th century and contributed to the development of a new society.



  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.
  3. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


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