The name Wateard reached
England in the great wave of migration following the
Norman Conquest of 1066. The name Wateard is for a
forester. Looking back even further, we found the name was originally derived from the Old English words
wode, meaning
wood, and
ward, meaning
guardian or keeper. [1]CITATION[CLOSE]
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X) Another source claims the name was from 'a woodward,' a forest officer who looked after wood and vert.
[2]CITATION[CLOSE]
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)Early Origins of the Wateard family
The surname Wateard was first found in
Essex where Commander Wadard
[3]CITATION[CLOSE]
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8) was granted lands by King William for his assistance at the Battle of Hastings. The first recorded scion of the family, (Falaise Roll,p 112,) Commander Wadard assembled King William's army at Saint Valery in
Normandy for the invasion of
England. It was he, Wadard, who advised King William of the Saxon King Harold's approach from the north at Hastings. His descendents, Henry and Simon Wadard, were still Lords of their respective Manors in
Essex in 1278. Other early listings of the name include: Sewhal le wuderward who was in the
Pipe Rolls of
Hampshire in 1208; Ralph de (sic) Wodeward who was listed in the
Pipe Rolls of
Hertfordshire in 1230; and Robert Wodeward who was listed in the
Subsidy Rolls of
Sussex in 1296.
[1]CITATION[CLOSE]
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X) The
Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 list: Aylward le Wodeward in Oxfordshire; and Adam le Wodewarde in
Somerset.
[2]CITATION[CLOSE]
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Early History of the Wateard family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wateard research.
Another 217 words (16 lines of text) covering the years 1290, 1086, 1066, 1490, 1590, 1675, 1640, 1657, 1712, 1698 and 1735 are included under the topic Early Wateard History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Wateard Spelling Variations
The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason,
spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Wateard has been recorded under many different variations, including Woodward, Woodard, Woodwards, Woodyard, Wadard and many more.
Early Notables of the Wateard family (pre 1700)
Another 45 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Wateard Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Wateard family to the New World and Oceana
To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in
England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Wateards were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: Christopher Woodward settled in Virginia in 1620; Henry and Mary Woodward settled in Virginia in 1623; along with Richard; John Woodward settled in Boston, Massachusetts in 1634.
The Wateard Motto
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Virtus semper viret
Motto Translation: Virtue is always flourishing.