Penfader History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• Wales
• Ireland

Etymology of Penfader

The surname Penfader is derived from the Old English words "penig," which means "penny," and "fæder," which means "father." The surname Penfader was a nickname for a person noted for uncompromising frugality, which then became a hereditary surname. Some instances of the surname may be have derived from the name of the manor of Pontfathew in Merioneth.

Early Origins of the Penfader family

Early History of the Penfader family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Penfader research. Another 61 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1666, 1716, 1733 and 1735 are included under the topic Early Penfader History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Penfader Spelling Variations

Compared to other ancient cultures found in the British Isles, the number of Welsh surnames are relatively few, but there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations. These spelling variations began almost as soon as surname usage became common. Clerks would then spell the names as they heard them, causing many different variations. Later, many Welsh names were recorded in English. This transliteration process was extremely imprecise since the Brythonic Celtic language of the Welsh used many sounds the English language was not accustomed to. Finally, some variations occurred by the individual's design: a branch loyalty within a family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations were indicated by spelling variations of one's name. The Penfader name over the years has been spelled Pennefather, Penniefather, Penyfather, Pennyfadyr and many more.

Early Notables of the Penfader family

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

Migration of the Penfader family to Ireland

Some of the Penfader family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 147 words (10 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 Penfader family

Many Welsh joined the great migrations to North America in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Like their Scottish and Irish neighbors, many Welsh families left their homeland hoping to find hope and prosperity in a land that the English did not exercise a tight rule over. Those Welsh immigrants that successfully traveled to North America went on to make significant contributions to the rapid development of both Canada and the United States in terms of the settling of land and the establishment of industry. They also added to the rich cultural heritage of both countries. An examination into the immigration and passenger lists has discovered a number of people bearing the name Penfader: Michael Pennyfather settled in Virginia in 1744; James Pennyfathm arrived in Philadelphia in 1864; James Pennyfeather settled in Philadelphia in 1857..