Recorded in several forms including Pedlar, Pedler, Peddar, Pedder, and Pidler, this unusual and interesting name is of medieval English origins. It has two possible origins. The is from the pre 7th century word "pedde" meaning a pannier or basket, and hence the surname described a person who either sold baskets, or more likely carried his wares in the wicker baskets of the period. The market place in the city of Norwich is known as the Ped-market from the fact that in ancient times the wares were brought in from the country in peds or wicker baskets. The second possible origin has a French background. It derives from the words "pied de lievre" of which the literal translation is "hare-foot". As such it was a nickname for either for a speedy runner, or possibly an official messenger such as William pe de Levre in the Fees rolls of the county of Somerset in 1242. Other early examples of the surname recording include William le Pedlare of Worcester in 1307, and Martin Pedlare of London in 1376. John Pedder (1520 - 1571) was created dean of Worcester in 1559. whilst Mathew Pedder is listed in the parish records of St. James in the Barbadoes in 1678. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of William le Pedder. This was dated 1165, in the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire, during the reign of King Henry 11nd of England, 1154 - 1189. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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