This interesting surname belongs to that group of surnames which derive from pet forms of given names or nicknames. In this instance, the surname originated in Provence (South-East France) from a diminutive of "Nadal, Nadau", the Provencal cognomen of the Middle English and Old French "Noel", Christmas, and was introduced into England in the years following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name was given to someone who had some particular connection with the Christmas season, such as owing the feudal duty of providing a yule-log to the Lord of the manor, or who gave a memorable performance as the Lord of Misrule in a play. It was also used as a given name for someone born during the Christmas period. On March 31st 1611, Mary Naden married Simon Goure at the church of St. Michael's, Bassishaw, London, while Dorcas, daughter of John and Ann Nadin, was christened at St. Martin in the Fields, Westminster, London on June 5th 1679. Barbe, daughter of Jean Nicholas and Marie Anne Nadin, was born on December 27th 1794 at Arnaville, Meurthe-Et-Moselle in France. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Christopher Naddyn, which was dated September 2nd 1576, christening witness at Holy Trinity the Less, London, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1st, known as "Good Queen Bess", 1558 - 1603. 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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