This is a locational name which is found in various areas. It is of Olde English origins and derives from the pre 7th Century "Weoh-halh" meaning the place of the Shrine, or from the village of Wyddial in Hertfordshire, or from some other now "lost" place. Occasionally, the name is confused with "Wydale", referring apparently to one born in "a Wye Valley", as in Anthony Wydale of Hartlebury (1595), but it is also possible that "Wydale" is an alternative form of "Weoh-halh". The name forms Widdel, Widdal or Widdall, are most recorded in London, suggesting that the village of Wyddial was probably "cleared" in Elizabeth I's reign for sheep farming. The name recordings include Margaret Widdal of Claines, Worcester who married one William Gibbs on October 18th 1795 in the reign of King George III, 1760 - 1820. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Augustin Widdell, which was dated October 31st 1723, married at St. Mary Magdalene, London, during the reign of King George I, "Hanover George", 1715 - 1727. 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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