| ![Show Contents]() Woddam History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
England
Etymology of WoddamWhat does the name Woddam mean? The name Woddam is rooted in the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It was a name for someone 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 Woddam familyThe surname Woddam 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 Woddam familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Woddam research. Another 83 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1375, 1417, 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Woddam History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Woddam Spelling VariationsWoddam has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Woddam have been found, including Wademan, Wadman, Waddman, Wadmen and others. Early Notables of the Woddam familyMore information is included under the topic Early Woddam Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Woddam familyIn an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Woddams to arrive on North American shores: 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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