Meredyth History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Wales
Ireland

The Meredyth surname comes from the Welsh personal name Meredydd or Maredudd. The Old Welsh form of the name is Morgetiud; experts state that the first portion of this name may mean pomp or splendor, while the second portion is "udd," which means "lord."

Early Origins of the Meredyth family

The surname Meredyth was first found in Denbighshire (Welsh: Sir Ddinbych), a historic county in Northeast Wales created by the Laws in Wales Act 1536, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Meredyth family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Meredyth research. Another 106 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1529, 1558, 1559, 1589, 1597, 1600, 1656, 1659, 1666, 1679 and 1701 are included under the topic Early Meredyth History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Meredyth Spelling Variations

Although there are not an extremely large number Welsh surnames, there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations of those surnames. This variety of spellings began almost immediately after the acceptance of surnames within Welsh society. As time progressed, these old Brythonic names were eventually were recorded in English. This process was problematic in that many of the highly inflected sounds of the native language of Wales could not be properly captured in English. Some families, however, did decide to modify their own names to indicate a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even a patriotic affiliation. The name Meredyth has seen various spelling variations: Meredith, Meradith, Meredeth, Meridith and others.

Early Notables of the Meredyth family

Prominent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was

Richard Meredith (sometimes Meredyth) (died 1597), Church of Ireland Bishop of Leighlin from 1589 until his death

Migration of the Meredyth family to Ireland

Some of the Meredyth family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 31 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Meredyth family

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many people from Wales joined the general migration to North America in search of land, work, and freedom. These immigrants greatly contributed to the rapid development of the new nations of Canada and the United States. They also added a rich and lasting cultural heritage to their newly adopted societies. Investigation of immigration and passenger lists has revealed a number of people bearing the name Meredyth: Elizabeth Meredith who settled in New England in 1654; Phillip Meredith who settled in Virginia in 1635; Robert Meredith who settled in Virginia in 1663.

The Meredyth 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: Heb Dduw heb ddim, a Duw a digon
Motto Translation: Without God there is nothing.