Show ContentsEppadhan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Brythonic in origin, the name of Eppadhan came from the rugged landscape of Wales. The name is from the personal name Adam. The surname Eppadhan 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 Eppadhan family

The surname Eppadhan 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 Eppadhan family

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

Eppadhan Spelling Variations

There are relatively few surnames native to Wales, but they have an inordinately large number of spelling variations. Early variations of Welsh surnames can be explained by the fact that very few people in the early Middle Ages were literate. Priests and the few other literate people were responsible for recording names in official documents. And because most people could not specific how to properly record their names it was up to the individual recorder of that time to determine how a spoken name should be recorded. Variations due to the imprecise or improper recording of a name continued later in history when names originally composed in the Brythonic Celtic, language of Wales, known by natives as Cymraeg, were transliterated into English. Welsh names that were documented in English often changed dramatically since the native language of Wales, which was highly inflected, did not copy well. Occasionally, however, spelling variations were carried out according to an individual's specific design: a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations could be indicated by minor variations. The spelling variations of the name Eppadhan have included Abadham, Abadam, Ab Adham, Ab Adam, Ap Adam and many more.

Early Notables of the Eppadhan family

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

Migration of the Eppadhan family

Many Welsh families joined their Scottish and Irish neighbors during the late 1800s and early 1900s in seeking refuge in North America. Like the Irish and Scottish, many Welsh anxiously awaited the work, freedom, and opportunities that they believed lay in North America. Those who did journey over to the United States and what became known as Canada often realized those dreams, but only through much toil and perseverance. Whenever and however these Welsh immigrants arrived in North America, they were instrumental in the creation of the industry, commerce, and cultural heritage within those two developing nations. In the immigration and passenger lists a number of early immigrants bearing the name Eppadhan were found: 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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