Redaway History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Redaway

What does the name Redaway mean?

The Redaway surname is a habitational name, taken on from any of various place names, such as Radway in Devon, Radway in Warwickshire, Rodway in Somerset, or Roadway in Devon. These place names are all from the Old English words "re-ad," meaning "red," and "waye," meaning "road." 1

Another source claims the name denotes "a descendant of the Anglo-Saxon personal name Rœdwíg = Fleet Warrior [Old English (h)rœd, swift + wíga, warrior]" 2

Early Origins of the Redaway family

The surname Redaway was first found in Somerset where Henry de Radeweie was recorded in the Pipe Rolls of 1205. Thomas de Radeweye was recorded at Roadway, Devon in the Feet of Fines for 1242. The same rolls listed Geoffrey de Radeweye in Reddaway, Devon in the same year. A very rare name, we must move to the 16th century to find the next entry for the family, that of Stephen Rodweye or Radwaye who as listed in Oxfordshire in 1581. 1

The Testa de Nevill, sive Liber Feodorum, temp. Henry III-Edward I listed Geoffrey de Radeweye, Devon and Thomas de Radeweye, Devon. 3

Back in Somerset, we found John de Radewaye and Henry de Radewaye, listed 1 Edward III (during the first year of the reign of King Edward III) 4

Early History of the Redaway family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Redaway research. Another 65 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1385, 1525, 1581 and 1642 are included under the topic Early Redaway History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Redaway 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. Redaway has been spelled many different ways, including Radway, Rodway, Radaway, Rodaway, Reddaway, Roadway and many more.

Early Notables of the Redaway family

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

Migration of the Redaway 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 Redaways to arrive in North America: Jane Radway, who came to Virginia in 1635; Isaac Radway, who arrived in Virginia in 1638; Wm. Radway, who arrived in Virginia in 1638; John Rodway, who came to Maryland in 1670.

Sources +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
Testa de Nevill or "Liber Feodorum" or "Book of Fees," thought to have been written by Ralph de Nevill, for King John (1199–1216)
Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.