The Strathclyde-Briton people of ancient
Scotland were the first to use the name Redfearde. The Redfearde family lived in
Midlothian. However, the Redfearde family name comes from any of several place names in
England called Redford, from Old English
re-ad meaning "red" and
ford, meaning "a place where a river can be crossed."
Early Origins of the Redfearde family
The surname Redfearde was first found in
Midlothian, where they held a
family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of
Scotland to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.
Early History of the Redfearde family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Redfearde research.
Another 229 words (16 lines of text) covering the years 1611, 1612, 1688 and 1547 are included under the topic Early Redfearde History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Redfearde Spelling Variations
The variation in the spelling of Medieval names is a result of the lack of spelling rules in the English language prior to the last few
hundred years. Before that time, scribes spelled according to sound, often varying the spelling of name within a single document. Redfearde has appeared as Redford, Redfurd, Rudford, Reidford and others.
Early Notables of the Redfearde family (pre 1700)
Another 21 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Redfearde Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Redfearde family to the New World and Oceana
As the persecution of
Clan families continued, they sailed for North America in increasing numbers. In most cases, they found the freedom and opportunity they sought. Land was often available and the American
War of Independence allowed Scots an opportunity to solidify their independence from the English crown. These settlers and their ancestors went on to play essential roles in the forging of the nations of the United States and Canada. Among them: John Redford settled in Bermuda in 1635; James, John and Thomas Redford all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1870.