Geddes (surname)

Geddes is a surname of English and Scottish origin. In Scotland and northern Ireland the name may be derived from the place-name Geddes in Nairn, Scotland. However, according to the Dictionary of American Family Names, the surname is more likely a patronymic name derived from the name Geddie.[1] This name (Geddie), may be an altered form of MacAdam. In this way, the letter G represents the Gaelic mac "son of" and Eddie is a variant of Adam. Geddie may also be a nickname meaning "greedy", derived from gedd meaning "pike", this could also refer to a voracious eater.[2] The earliest written record of the surname Geddes is of William Ged, from Shropshire, England, recorded within the Pipe Rolls in the year 1230.[3] The surname Geddes can be represented in Scottish Gaelic as Geadasach and Geadais.[4][5]

Contents

Surname

Given name

See also

References

  1. ^ "Geddes Name Meaning and History". Ancestry.com. http://www.ancestry.com/facts/Geddes-family-history.ashx. Retrieved 14 December 2008.  This webpage cites Dictionary of American Family Names, Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-508137-4.
  2. ^ "Geddie Name Meaning and History". Ancestry.com. http://www.ancestry.com/facts/Geddie-family-history.ashx. Retrieved 14 December 2008.  This webpage cites Dictionary of American Family Names, Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-508137-4.
  3. ^ Reaney, Percy Hilde; Wilson, Richard Middlewood (2006) (pdf). A Dictionary of English Surnames (3rd ed.). London: Routledge. p. 1295. ISBN 0-203-99355-1. 
  4. ^ Mac an Tàilleir, Iain. "Ainmean Pearsanta" (docx). Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. http://www2.smo.uhi.ac.uk/gaidhlig/faclair/cuspair/Ainmean_pearsanta.docx. Retrieved 15 October 2009. 
  5. ^ Mark, Colin (2003) (pdf). The Gaelic-English Dictionary. Routledge. ISBN 0-203-27706-6.