Show ContentsFiddy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The distinguished surname Fiddy is of Scottish origin. It is derived from "Fiddes," the name of a barony once known as Fothes or Futhos located in Foveran, Kincardineshire. The name is thought to be derived from the Gaelic "fiodhais," meaning "wood-place." 1

Early Origins of the Fiddy family

The surname Fiddy was first found in Kincardineshire, where the family claim descent from the old barony of Fides, anciently Futhos or Fothes, in the parish of Foveran. "Eadmund or Edmund de Fotheis and Alwinus or Aleuin, his son who witnessed two charters between 1200-1207, are probably the first recorded of the name. Fergus de Fothes, son of John de Fothes, received in 1289 from Alexander Cumyn, Earl of Buchan, a charter of the whole tenement of Fothes. Payments were made to John Fotis and to Walter de Fothes in 1328-9, Eustace de Futhes was collector of contributions in Aberdeenshire, 1373." 1

"William Fettes, grandfather of the founder of Fettes College, Edinburgh, was a native of Laurencekirk, Kincardineshire." 1

To the south in England, Emma Fete was listed in the Curai Regis Rolls for Oxfordshire in 1227; John le Fette was found in Berkshire in 1294; and John ffettys was found in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379. 2

Early History of the Fiddy family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Fiddy research. Another 125 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1408, 1423, 1435, 1447, 1488, 1491, 1498, 1524, 1597, 1600, 1603, 1621, 1671, 1687, 1690, 1691, 1693 and 1725 are included under the topic Early Fiddy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Fiddy Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Fiddes, Fotheis, Fuddes, Fudes, Futhes, Fouthas, Futhois, Fothes, Futhas, Fudas, Fittes, Fette and many more.

Early Notables of the Fiddy family

Notable amongst the Clan at this time was Richard Fiddes (1671-1725), English divine and historian, the eldest son of John Fiddes. He was born in 1671 at Hunmanby, near Scarborough, but was brought up by an uncle who was vicar of Brightwell, Oxfordshire. "By him he was educated at a school at Wickham, near Scarborough. In October 1687 he...
Another 59 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Fiddy Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Fiddy migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Fiddy Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Benjamin J. Fiddy, aged 54, arrived in New York in 1919 aboard the ship "Hegira" from Saint Nazaire, France 3
  • William Fiddy, aged 21, arrived in New York in 1923 aboard the ship "Arcadian" from Bermuda 3

Contemporary Notables of the name Fiddy (post 1700) +

  • Chantelle Fiddy, British journalist, columnist, event promoter and music industry professional


The Fiddy 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: Industria
Motto Translation: Industrious.


  1. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
  2. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  3. Ellis Island Search retrieved 15th November 2022. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result


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