Paddle Family History

From an unrecorded Middle English personal name Padel Pedel (Old English Pæddel), apparently attested in the Kent place-name Paddlesworth. For further possible bearers, especially in Dorset, London, and the home counties, see Peddle (2).

From Middle English padel meaning ‘long-handled spade, paddle’. In Gloucs and Somerset, it is probably a late variant of Peddle (1). Perhaps it originates from Padwell in Southampton (Hants) or a minor place similarly named with Old English or Middle English pad(e) meaning ‘toad’ + Old English wielle, Middle English welle meaning ‘well, spring’.

There is a Paddle or Padwell (Cottage) in Edgcote (Northants), which may be of medieval origin, and a lost or unidentified place called Padwell in 1411 near Great Yarmouth (Norfolk). However, no medieval surnames have been found that can be linked to any of these places.