This unusual name is of early English medieval origin, and has two possible sources. The first of these is topographical, and denotes residence by a 'new dyke', derived from the Middle English 'newe', new in Olde English pre 7th Century 'neowe', new in Olde English pre 7th Century 'neowe', with 'dike', Olde English 'dik'. Dykes in medieval England were larger and more prominent than the modern examples, and were usually constructed for defence purposes rather than for drainage. The second possible source for the modern surname is locational, from the place called 'Newdigate' in Surrey, where 'Newdick' is a vernacular contraction. The name development has inlcuded 'Newdyke' (1580), 'Newdicke' (1605) and 'Neudick' (1643). Ann Newdick married Richard Thurkettle in London on the 28th June 1635. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Johane Newdycke, christened, which was dated 23rd December 1576, St. Martin's, Ludgate, London, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, 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.