| ![Show Contents]() Waddam History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
England
Etymology of WaddamWhat does the name Waddam mean? The origins of the Anglo-Saxon name Waddam come from its first bearer, who was a "bold, brave man" having derived from the Old English word "hwatmann." In some cases, the name could have been derived from the Middle English word "wodman," from "wodeman," which meant "woodman." 1 Another source claims the name could denote "a dealer in woad for dyeing as in Wadster." 2 Early Origins of the Waddam familyThe surname Waddam was first found in the Domesday Book of 1086 where Wateman was listed in Dorset and Wetman was recorded in Herefordshire. 3 Singular names were quite common at the time. In Devon, the Pipe Rolls of 1168 have a listing for Algar filius Watman and in Oxfordshire, John Watemon was recorded at Eynsham in 1264. The Hundredorum Rolls for 1279 included an entry for Hugo Weteman. Richard Whateman (Wateman) was recorded in the Subsidy Rolls for Essex in 1327. 1 A scan of early records in Norfolk, show Symon le Wademan in 1296 and in Yorkshire, Richard de Norham, waddeman was listed as a Freeman of York in 1375. These last two entries would denote the occupational nature of the names. John Wodeman was found in the Subsidy Rolls for Sussex in 1296 and William Wadman was listed in Yorkshire in 1417. 1 Early History of the Waddam familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Waddam research. Another 83 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1375, 1417, 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Waddam History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Waddam Spelling VariationsThe 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. Waddam has been spelled many different ways, including Wademan, Wadman, Waddman, Wadmen and others. Early Notables of the Waddam familyMore information is included under the topic Early Waddam Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Waddam familyThousands 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 Waddams to arrive in North America: settlers who were recorded from the mid 17th century in the great migration from Europe. Migrants settled in the eastern seaboard from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands..
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
- Baring-Gould S., Family Names and their Story. London: Seeley, Service & Co. Limited, 1913. Print
- Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
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