Some mystery surrounds this name which has caused emminent researchers considerable difficulty. The reason is that originally the name was associated with the Romany's, and whilist the recent history records show the name as being formed in Donegal, the earliest recording is Scottish, and derives from Faythlie or Feldie, names found originally in South West Scotland. Either way the development is from Phem, Faa or Fea, an original Romany surname, a Scottish from the patronymic. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of James Feldeu. which was dated 1419, The Records of Dumfernline. during the reign of James I, of Scotland, 1406 - 1437. 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.