This name is a transposed variant of the Scottish Wadell, Waddle, Waddell or Weddel, a locational name from the lands of Wedel, in Midlothian, or (English) from a place now lost but formerly Wadhulle in Bedford. Either way the name origin is Olde English pre 8th Century and means 'one resident by the place in the wood (wudu-haella)'. The earliest known bearer of the name was an outlaw as below. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Adam de Wedale. which was dated 1204 Stow in Midlothian. during the reign of King William the Lyon of Scotland 1165 - 1214. 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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