Iddendon History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe ancestors of the Iddendon family migrated to England following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The surname Iddendon is based on the Old Norman female personal name Idunn, which is thought to be composed of the elements idja, which means to work or perform, and unna, which means to love. While most surnames adapted from personal names descend through patronymic lineage, the name Iddon is a relatively rare case of a metronymic name. While patronymic lineage was traditional in Norman society, in cases such as when a man had a second family and wished to distinguish between the two groups the children may have adopted the name of the mother. Early Origins of the Iddendon familyThe surname Iddendon was first found in Sussex where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor of Iden. The village of Iden appeared in the Domesday Book, 1 a census taken by Duke William of Normandy in 1086 after his conquest of England in 1066 A.D. At this time the village was held by Geoffrey and Leofwin from the Count of Eu, the tenant-in-chief. Conjecturally this family name is descended from one of those Norman nobles. The village, originally spelt 'Idene' is the name of a Norse goddess. From about the 16th century the name was more popularly spelt Iddon. In Hemyock, Devon, we found this interesting passage: "The Hidons built a castle here, of which there are yet important remains, including the main gateway and its towers, and part of the general cincture. It is an edifice of great strength, and of some peculiar characteristics Early Edwardian in general character ; but of its history absolutely nothing seems to be known, save that it was garrisoned by the Roundheads, and used by them as a prison." 2 Early History of the Iddendon familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Iddendon research. Another 64 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Iddendon History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Iddendon Spelling VariationsBefore English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, Norman French and other languages became incorporated into English throughout the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Iddendon include Iddon, Idon, Iden, Idens, Iddin, Iddins, Hidden and many more. Early Notables of the Iddendon familyMore information is included under the topic Early Iddendon Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Iddendon familyIn England at this time, the uncertainty of the political and religious environment of the time caused many families to board ships for distant British colonies in the hopes of finding land and opportunity, and escaping persecution. The voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, though, and many arrived in North America sick, starved, and destitute. Those who did make it, however, were greeted with greater opportunities and freedoms that they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make important contributions to the young nations in which they settled. Early immigration records have shown some of the first Iddendons to arrive on North American shores: E. Hidden who settled in New York State in 1823; Sarah Hiden settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1764; Frederick Iddins settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1837.
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