Merradork Surname, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

There are relatively few surnames native to Wales, but they have an inordinately large number of spelling variations. Early variations of Welsh surnames can be explained by the fact that very few people in the early Middle Ages were literate. Priests and the few other literate people were responsible for recording names in official documents. And because most people could not specific how to properly record their names it was up to the individual recorder of that time to determine how a spoken name should be recorded. Variations due to the imprecise or improper recording of a name continued later in history when names originally composed in the Brythonic Celtic, language of Wales, known by natives as Cymraeg, were transliterated into English. Welsh names that were documented in English often changed dramatically since the native language of Wales, which was highly inflected, did not copy well. Occasionally, however, spelling variations were carried out according to an individual's specific design: a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations could be indicated by minor variations. The spelling variations of the name Merradork have included Meredith, Meradith, Meredeth, Meridith and others.

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Merradork research. Another 211 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1597, 1589, 1679, 1656, 1659, 1666, 1701, 1701, 1529, 1600, 1558 and 1559 are included under the topic Early Merradork History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

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; Sir William Meredith, 1st Baronet of Leeds Abbey, Kent; Sir Richard Meredith, 2nd Baronet (died 1679), an English politician who sat in the...

Another 49 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Merradork Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Some of the Merradork family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Another 51 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Many Welsh families joined their Scottish and Irish neighbors during the late 1800s and early 1900s in seeking refuge in North Ameri ca. Like the Irish and Scottish, many Welsh anxiously awaited the work, freedom, and opportunities that they believed lay in North America. Those who did journey over to the United States and what became known as Canada often realized those dreams, but only through much toil and perseverance. Whenever and however these Welsh immigrants arrived in North America, they were instrumental in the creation of the industry, commerce, and cultural heritage within those two developing nations. In the immigration and passenger lists a number of early immigrants bearing the name Merradork were found: 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 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.