This rare and unusual name has probably Anglo - Saxon pre 10th Century origins but would seem to be a Welsh variant of the English Reddel or Reddle - a name meaning "the son (el or le) of the Redd i.e. one with red hair". The development of the name follows well defined times and is similar to Pritchard, which was derived from Ap Richard, the son of Richard. The pre 1066 spelling of Ap Reddle was "Raedweald" and later Redewella (1274, Somerset), and Richard Redwall (1297, Cornwall), whilst the name Predohl is recorded for the German province of Posnia, which may be relavant to some name holders. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Robert de Rarewella. which was dated 1185, in the Knight Templars Rolls, Berkshire. during the reign of King Henry 11, known as the Builder, 1154 - 1189. 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.