Steady History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Steady

What does the name Steady mean?

The name Steady is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. Steady was a name used for a man of mettle, or someone noted for his high spirits. In this case, this surname is derived from the Old English word steda, which means stud-horse or stallion.

Early Origins of the Steady family

The surname Steady was first found in Yorkshire. "This surname is derived from a geographical locality, 'at the stead,' a place, a station, a settlement; compare homestead, market-stead (= market-place). A great Yorkshire surname. The Market-place, Manchester, was the Market-stead till the close of the last century. The Market-stead, Ulverston, is commonly so set down in the parish registers till 1790. " 1

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 has only one listing of the family: John Stede, Suffolk; while the Yorkshire Polls Tax Rolls of 1379 include: Robertas del Stede; Ricardus del Stede; Petrus del Stede; and Laurence del Stede underlining the importance of the Yorkshire heritage versus any other.

Early History of the Steady family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Steady research. Another 125 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1376, 1417, 1581, 1588, 1619, 1701, 1735 and 1796 are included under the topic Early Steady History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Steady Spelling Variations

Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Steady include Stead, Steed and others.

Early Notables of the Steady family

Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Steady Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Steady family

Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Steady were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: Thomas Stead who settled in Virginia in 1649; Elizabeth Stead settled in Nevis in 1660; another Elizabeth settled in New York State in 1774; Thomas Stead settled in Cape Fear N.C. in 1774.

Citations +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)