The surname Scudder is of Old English origin, derived from a geographical or topographical name for someone who lived near a creek or river called "scydd" or "scyde," which means "a sheltered or narrow inlet." Over time, this place name evolved into various forms such as Schutor, Scudder, Skydmore, and Scott, reflecting regional variations in pronunciation and spelling. The name first appeared in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was recorded under several different spellings.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Scudder
The meaning and origin of the last name Scudder
The surname Scudder is an Anglo-Saxon name derived from the Old English words "scyddan" (meaning "to shield") or "scetan" (meaning "to sit"). It is believed that the name was originally given as a nickname to someone who served as a shield bearer, or it could have referred to a person who occupied a seat or position of importance. The surname Scudder first appeared in England during the Middle Ages and can be traced back to various regions including Yorkshire, Norfolk, and Essex. Notable individuals with the surname include Thomas Scudder (a 17th-century English explorer) and Emily Scudder (an American mathematician who made contributions to the field of differential equations).
Geographical distribution of the last name Scudder
The surname Scudder is predominantly distributed across several regions in the United States and England. In the U.S., it is most concentrated in states like Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and Maine, likely due to the early settlement by English ancestors. A significant number of people with this last name can also be found in the Midwest, particularly in Missouri and Illinois, as a result of migration patterns over time. In England, Scudder is common in counties such as Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex, where it may have originated from the village of Scudamore or Scodham. Additionally, descendants of Scudder families can be found in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, due to historical migration patterns.
Variants and spellings of the last name Scudder
The surname Scudder has several variants and spellings, largely due to regional dialects, transcription errors, and family preference over time. Some common variations include Scudders, Scuder, Scuddars, Scuddery, Scodder, Skudder, and Skuder. In some cases, the name may have been Anglicized from similar names in other languages; for example, the German Schüttler or Schütter might have been anglicized to Scudder. The origin of the name is Old English, derived from "scud" meaning "shield" and "weard" meaning "guard," indicating a protector or shield-bearer.
Famous people with the last name Scudder
Notable individuals with the surname Scudder include:
1. John Scudder Sr. (1789-1840), an American missionary and medical doctor who was one of the first Westerners to establish contact with the Tamil-speaking people in south India.
2. John Scudder Jr. (1823-1890), an American medical missionary, son of John Scudder Sr., who founded the American Baptist Missionary Union and served as its president for many years.
3. Mary Jemison (also known as Molly Brant; 1742-1814), a woman of Seneca-Iroquoian descent whose father was a Scot named Scudder. She is often referred to as the "White Woman of the Genesee."
4. Daniel Scudder (1840-1903), an American entomologist and clergyman who made significant contributions to the study of insects, particularly mites and beetles.
5. Eleanor Scudder (1917-2006), an American anthropologist and archaeologist known for her research on Mayan civilization in Guatemala and Mexico.
6. David Scudder (born 1934), an American mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of numerical analysis, particularly the development of high-order finite difference methods for solving differential equations.
Genealogical research on the last name Scudder
The Scudder surname originates from Scotland and England, with the earliest known records tracing back to the 13th century. The name is derived from the Old English 'scytt' meaning 'shield-thrower', indicating a warrior or one who used a throwing weapon in battle. In England, the name was predominantly found in Essex, Suffolk, and Yorkshire, with notable branches such as the Scudamores of Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, and the Scudders of Cottesmore, Rutland. The family migrated to America beginning in the 17th century, with prominent settlers like Samuel Scudder (1632-1689) who was among the founders of Boston, Massachusetts, and John Scudder (1650-1724) who established a line of medical doctors in the United States. The Scudders later settled in various parts of America, including Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
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