Medowes History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Of all the Anglo-Saxon names to come from Britain, Medowes is one of the most ancient. The name is a result of the original family having lived in or near a meadow. The surname Medowes is derived from the Old English words mæd and mædwe, which both mean meadow. The surname Medowes 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 Medowes family

The surname Medowes 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 Medowes family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Medowes research. Another 90 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Medowes History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Medowes Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Medowes has been spelled many different ways, including Meadowes, Meadows, Meadow, Meddows, Meddus, Meadus, Medus, Medis and many more.

Early Notables of the Medowes family

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

Migration of the Medowes family to Ireland

Some of the Medowes 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 Medowes family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Medowess to arrive in North America: Anne Meadowes settled with her husband in Virginia in 1684; Elizabeth Meadows and her husband settled in Annapolis in 1758; James and John Meadows settled in Philadelphia in 1860. Edmund Meadus of Poole, Dorset, settled in Newfoundland in the 1830's..

The Medowes Motto +

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.