This unusual and interesting name is of early medieval English origin, and derives from an occupational nickname for an embroiderer, specifically one who embroidered fine clothes with gold thread. The name derives from the Middle English "thred(en)", to thread, from the Olde English pre 7th Century "thraed", thread, with "gold", gold. Occupational surnames were originally acquired by those who were employed in that specific occupation, but later became hereditary. The development of the surname include Walterus Tredegold (1273, Kent), Robert Dredegold (1328, Somerset), Edmund Thredgall (1674, Suffolk), Daniel Thredkill (ibid.), and John Thridgale (1681, Suffolk). The modern surname has forms ranging from Threadgold, Threadgould, Threadgill and Threadgall to Threadkell, Tridgould and Tre(a)dgold. The christening of John, son of Charles and Jannet Threadgold, was recorded at St. Martin in the Fields, London on November 3rd 1793. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Reginald Tredegold, which was dated 1199 in the Memoranda Rolls of Wiltshire, during the reign of King Richard 1, "Richard the Lionheart", 1189-1199. 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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