Show ContentsReddaway History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

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  • England
Reddaway Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Etymology of Reddaway

What does the name Reddaway mean?

The Reddaway 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 Reddaway family

The surname Reddaway 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 Reddaway family

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

Reddaway Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Reddaway were recorded, including Radway, Rodway, Radaway, Rodaway, Reddaway, Roadway and many more.

Early Notables of the Reddaway family

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

Reddaway migration to Australia +

Reddaway Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • George Reddaway, aged 26, a labourer, who arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship "John Banks" 5
  • James Reddaway, aged 32, a miner, who arrived in South Australia in 1857 aboard the ship "Henry Moore"

Contemporary Notables of the name Reddaway (post 1700) +

  • Peter Reddaway (1939-2024), British-born, American political scientist and expert on Russia
  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
  3. Testa de Nevill or "Liber Feodorum" or "Book of Fees," thought to have been written by Ralph de Nevill, for King John (1199–1216)
  4. 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.
  5. South Australian Register Wednesday 30th May 1855. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) John Banks 1855. Retrieved http://www.theshipslist.com/ships/australia/johnbanks1855.shtml

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