Rigmayden History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Of all the Anglo-Saxon names to come from Britain, Rigmayden is one of the most ancient. The name is a result of the original family having lived in the county of Lancashire, where they held a family seat at Wedacre. The surname Rigmayden refers to the dweller by the ridge, in this case the reference is to the female bearer of the name.

Early Origins of the Rigmayden family

The surname Rigmayden was first found in Lancashire and Lincolnshire where two gentry families bore the name Rigmaiden. "I can give not better etymology for the name than 'a romping girl.' " 1 Nether Wyersdale in Lancashire was an ancient family seat. "Wyersdale was part of the possessions of the Lancasters: in the reign of Philip and Mary, John Rigmayden held the manor; and in 1605 it was held by the Gerards, of Bromley." 2

Early History of the Rigmayden family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rigmayden research. Another 97 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Rigmayden History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rigmayden 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. Rigmayden has been spelled many different ways, including Rigmaiden, Regmaiden, Rigmaden and others.

Early Notables of the Rigmayden family

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

Migration of the Rigmayden 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 Rigmaydens to arrive in North America: William Rigmaiden who settled in Pennsylvania in 1761.

Citations +

Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.