Hedlam History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• England
• Ireland

Etymology of Hedlam

Hedlam is a name that was formed by the Anglo-Saxon society of old Britain. The name was thought to have been used for someone who once worked as a soldier. The surname Hedlam literally means noble protector. The name was derived from the Old English adel helm which literally means "eagle shield." 1

Another source claims the name was "from adel, meaning fine, noble, and ham, meaning a village or castle. " 2

Early Origins of the Hedlam family

Early History of the Hedlam family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hedlam research. Another 82 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1631, 1659, 1677, 1750 and 1823 are included under the topic Early Hedlam History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hedlam Spelling Variations

Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Hedlam include Headlam, Adhelm, Eadhelm, Adelhelm, Addlam, Adlum, Adlam and many more.

Early Notables of the Hedlam family

Captain W. Adlam, who fought with the "Roundheads" (Parliamentarians) during the English Civil War of the 17th century; and Captain S. Adlam, who fought in the French wars in Canada. Richard Edlin or Edlyn (1631-1677), was an English astrologer. He was...
Another 40 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hedlam Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Hedlam family to Ireland

Some of the Hedlam family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Hedlam family

Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Hedlam were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: John Adlam who arrived at Nevis in 1670. John Adlum (1759-1836), was a major in the American Provisional Army during the American Revolutionary War, and later a Brigadier General in the Pennsylvania militia.