This unusual name is locational, and possibly Devonian. It is not apparently recorded in England before the Mid 17th Century, (see below) when the first name holder married a Mary Radford in Devon. Shortly afterwards the name is recorded in most unusual circumstances in London, the nameholder Robert Siderfin apparently taking three brides inside seven years. Unfortunately our research has not clearly indicated why this was so, or whether any offspring resulted from these marriages. As to the meaning and origin, it is our opinion that the origin is from the Olde English pre 7th century 'sid-funta' meaning a broad water course or perhaps a large spring, however this is conjecture, and an apparent lack of early recordings has hindered our search. There has also been a suggestion that the name could have been Huguenot, and a variant form of 'Siderveld', but we consider this very unlikely. The name was recorded three times in the London area in the 17th century, in each case the bridegroom was Robert Siderfin, the brides being Katherine Potkins, at St James church, Dukes Place, on February 3rd 1680, Katherine Groves at St Mary Woolnoth on January 2nd 1682, and Ann Witterong on January 16th 1687 at St Nicholas, Cole Abbey. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Thomas Sydafyn, which was dated January 26th 1652, married Mary Radford at Oakford, Devon, during the reign of Oliver Cromwell, known as 'The Lord Protector', 1649 - 1658. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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