Show ContentsFiddler History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Fiddler

What does the name Fiddler mean?

The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 brought much change to the island nation, including many immigrants with new names. Among these immigrants were the ancestors of the Fiddler family, who lived in or near the settlement of Vis-de-lou in Normandy. Over time, the pronunciation of this place-name changed into Fiddler.

Early Origins of the Fiddler family

The surname Fiddler was first found in Surrey where they were granted lands by William the Conqueror for their assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D. The personal Norman name, Le Fidelaire, originated from Normandy.

Early History of the Fiddler family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Fiddler research. Another 170 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1230, 1498, 1511, 1514, 1525, 1565, 1597 and 1632 are included under the topic Early Fiddler History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Fiddler Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Fiddler were recorded, including Fiddler, Fidler, Fiddlar, Fidlar, Fidelow, Fydler and many more.

Early Notables of the Fiddler family

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


Fiddler migration to the United States +

The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Fiddler arrived in North America very early:

Fiddler Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • George Fiddler, who arrived in Maryland in 1674 1
  • Eliza Fiddler, who landed in Virginia in 1699 1
Fiddler Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Gottfriend Fiddler, who landed in New York, NY in 1710 1
Fiddler Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • John Frederick Fiddler, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1834
  • William Fiddler, who landed in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1870 1

Fiddler migration to Australia +

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

Fiddler Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Caleb Fiddler, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Candahar" in 1851 2
  • Phoebe Fiddler, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Candahar" in 1851 2

Contemporary Notables of the name Fiddler (post 1700) +

  • Joseph Anthony "Amp" Fiddler (1958-2023), American singer, songwriter, keyboardist, and record producer from Detroit, Michigan
  • Earle T. Fiddler, American Republican politician, Alternate Delegate to Republican National Convention from Puerto Rico, 1940, 1944 3


  1. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  2. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) CANDAHAR 1851. Retrieved http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1851Candahar.htm
  3. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, November 2) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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