Show ContentsWilldy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Willdy

What does the name Willdy mean?

The ancient name Willdy is a Norman name that would have been developed in England after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. This name was a name given to a person of wild or undisciplined character. Looking back even further, we found the name was originally derived from the Old English word wilde, meaning untamed or uncivilized.

Early Origins of the Willdy family

The surname Willdy was first found in Berkshire where they held a family seat as Lords of the manor of Wyld Court, being descended from Ulric Wilde, a Domesday tenant in that county.

Early History of the Willdy family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Willdy research. Another 73 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1590, 1609, 1610, 1611, 1647, 1648, 1659, 1660, 1665, 1669, 1679, 1682, 1683 and 1725 are included under the topic Early Willdy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Willdy Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Willdy were recorded, including Wild, Wilde, Wildee, Wylde and others.

Early Notables of the Willdy family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was John Wilde or Wylde (1590-1669), Chief Baron of the exchequer, son and heir of George Wylde of Kempsey, Worcestershire, Serjeant-at-Law. 1George Wild or Wilde (1610-1665), Bishop of Derry, born 9 Jan. 1609, the son of Henry Wild, a citizen of London. "When the civil war broke out he became preacher to the king at Oxford, and the degree of D.C.L. was conferred on him on 23 Nov. 1647. He was turned out of his fellowship by the parliamentary visitors in 1648, and was sequestered from his living at Biddenden, but continued to officiate...
Another 168 words (12 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Willdy Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Willdy family to Ireland

Some of the Willdy family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 31 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Willdy family

The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Willdy arrived in North America very early: Robert Wild who settled in Virginia in 1635; William, John and Jo Wild, who all settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1635; John Wild, who settled in Barbados in 1654.



The Willdy 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: Veritas victrix
Motto Translation: Truth Conquered.


  1. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


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