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Last Name Caddy

What is the origin of the last name Caddy?

The surname Caddy is of Scottish and Irish origin. In Scotland, it is a variant of the Gaelic surname MacCathaidh, meaning "son of Cathaidh," which was derived from the personal name Cathaidh or Cathadh, thought to mean either "battler" or "wolves' head." In Ireland, Caddy may be an Anglicized form of Gaelic surnames such as MacCathaoir (meaning "son of a scholar") or MacCeitigh (meaning "son of the poet"). It is also possible that the name originated from the Norman-French word cadet, meaning "younger son" or "cadet." The name may have been adopted by families who wished to emphasize their status as younger sons in a family, especially during times when land and titles were passed down through the eldest male line.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Caddy

The meaning and origin of the last name Caddy

The surname Caddy is of English origin and has several possible meanings and origins. One theory suggests that it could be an occupational name for a maker or dealer of small wooden boxes, deriving from Middle English "cadde" meaning 'box'. Another theory proposes that it may be a regional name from the English county of Devon, where Caddy was a dialectal term for a woodland clearing. Additionally, some research indicates that Caddy could have Norman origins and derive from the French personal name "Cade" or "Gautier Cadi". Over time, variations in spelling such as Caddey, Caddie, and Caddi emerged due to factors like regional dialects and individual scribes' handwriting styles.

Geographical distribution of the last name Caddy

The last name Caddy is predominantly found in Scotland and Ireland, with significant concentrations in both countries. In Scotland, it is most frequent in the western regions such as Argyll and Bute, where it may have originated from a place named Cadie or Caddell. In Ireland, it is particularly common in counties such as Donegal and Leitrim, areas with strong Gaelic heritage. Over time, individuals with the surname Caddy have emigrated extensively, leading to its presence in other parts of the world, notably England, United States, Canada, and Australia. In the United States, it is most common in states like Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, likely due to Irish and Scottish immigration during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Caddy

The surname Caddy has various spellings and variations, reflecting regional differences and individual preferences. Some common spelling variations include Cadie, Caddey, Cadhy, Caddi, Caddie, Caddye, Caddigh, Caddige, and Kaddey. These variations may stem from the phonetic interpretation of the name or minor errors during transcription over time. The original Gaelic form of the name is Ó Cathaidh, which translates to "descendant of Cathal" in English. In Irish genealogy, the family name Caddy or its derivatives are found predominantly in Counties Wexford and Kerry.

Famous people with the last name Caddy

Notable individuals with the surname Caddy include:

1. Peter Caddy (1924-2011), a British professional golfer who won the British Open Championship in 1967. He was also known for his contributions to the development of the European PGA Tour.

2. Carol Ann Caddy (born 1953), an American author and activist who co-founded the National Coalition Against Censorship. She has written extensively on censorship issues, freedom of speech, and cultural politics.

3. Tommy Caddy (born 1964), a Scottish professional snooker player who reached the semi-finals of the World Snooker Championship in 1987. He is also known for his work as a snooker commentator.

4. Michael Caddy (born 1955), an English musician and composer, best known for his work with the band The Strawbs from 1969 to 1971. He has also worked in film scoring and music production.

5. Tom Caddy (born 1985), an English rugby union player who played for Sale Sharks and England's national team. He is a scrum-half.

Genealogical research on the last name Caddy

The surname Caddy is believed to have originated from the Gaelic Mac Caidy or Mac Cada, meaning "son of Kade" or "son of Cado." It's an Anglicized version of the Irish and Scottish family names.

In Scotland, the Caddy name can be traced back to the 14th century in Aberdeenshire and Moray. Notable bearers include the Caddy of Auchmedden and the Caddies of Badentoy, who were landowners and influential figures during the Middle Ages.

In Ireland, the Caddys are associated with Counties Limerick and Tipperary, where they were chieftains and powerful landowners. The family name was Anglicized from O Cadhain, meaning "descendant of Cadhan," a personal name derived from cad (a battle or victory).

The Caddy family also migrated to England and the Americas, with significant populations found in the United States, particularly in Kentucky, where they played prominent roles in politics, agriculture, and law during the 18th and 19th centuries. The name is also well-represented in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand due to subsequent migrations.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 23 July 2025

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