| ![Show Contents]() Meadus History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
In ancient Anglo-Saxon England, the ancestors of the Meadus surname lived in or near a meadow. The surname Meadus is derived from the Old English words mæd and mædwe, which both mean meadow. The surname Meadus belongs to the class of topographic surnames, which were given to people who resided near physical features such as hills, streams, churches, or types of trees. Early Origins of the Meadus familyThe surname Meadus was first found in Suffolk at Witnesham, a parish, in the union of Woodbridge, hundred of Carlford. "The family of Meadows, from a branch of which the present Earl Manvers is descended, have had a seat here since the time of Richard III." 1 Early History of the Meadus familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Meadus research. Another 90 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Meadus History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Meadus Spelling VariationsIt is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Meadus are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Meadus include: Meadowes, Meadows, Meadow, Meddows, Meddus, Meadus, Medus, Medis and many more. Early Notables of the Meadus familyMore information is included under the topic Early Meadus Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Meadus RankingIn Newfoundland, Canada, the name Meadus is the 535th most popular surname with an estimated 86 people with that name. 2  Migration of the Meadus family to Ireland
Some of the Meadus 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.
| Meadus migration to Canada | + |
Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Meadus or a variant listed above: Meadus Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
| Contemporary Notables of the name Meadus (post 1700) | + |
- Eric Meadus (1931-1970), English artist; he exhibited in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition (1971), Southampton City Art Gallery (1996), Tudor House Museum, Southampton (1999)
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Mea dos virtus
Motto Translation: Virtue is my dower.
- Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
- The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
- Seary E.R., Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland, Montreal: McGill's-Queen's Universtity Press 1998 ISBN 0-7735-1782-0
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Meadus migration to Canada 
England
Ireland
