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Last Name Cadwallader

What is the origin of the last name Cadwallader?

The surname Cadwallader is of Welsh origin, derived from the personal name Cadwaladr, which means "battle leader" in Welsh. It is believed to have been a popular given name among ancient Welsh royalty.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Cadwallader

The meaning and origin of the last name Cadwallader

The surname Cadwallader is of Welsh origin and is derived from the Old Welsh personal name Cadwaladr, which means 'battle leader' or 'leader in battle'. The name was borne by several Welsh rulers, including Cadwaladr ap Gruffydd, a 7th-century king of Gwynedd. Over time, the name became a surname and was passed down through generations. The Cadwallader surname is primarily found in Wales and England, and variations of the name include Cadwalader, Cadwallader, Cadwaller, and Cadwallder. Today, individuals with the Cadwallader surname can trace their ancestry back to the ancient Welsh warriors and kings who bore the name Cadwaladr.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cadwallader

The last name Cadwallader is most commonly found in Wales, particularly in regions such as Powys, Gwynedd, and Ceredigion. Additionally, there are smaller concentrations of individuals with this surname in England, specifically in the counties of Cheshire and Shropshire. Due to historical migration patterns, some individuals with the last name Cadwallader can also be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, the majority of individuals with this surname can still be traced back to their Welsh origins. Overall, the distribution of the last name Cadwallader is primarily concentrated in Wales, with smaller pockets of individuals residing in England and other countries with ties to Welsh immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cadwallader

The variations and spellings of the last name Cadwallader include Cadwaller, Cadwalader, Cadwaleder, Cadallader, and Cadellader. These variations may differ depending on regional accents, historical translations, or personal preferences. Each variation retains the essential phonetics of the original Welsh surname, but may present slight alterations in spelling to accommodate different linguistic conventions. Despite these variations, individuals with any of these spellings of the last name Cadwallader are likely to share a common ancestry traced back to Wales.

Famous people with the last name Cadwallader

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Genealogical research on the last name Cadwallader

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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 : 11 April 2025

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