Meaning of Last Name

Geddes is a surname of English and Scottish origin. In Scotland and northern Ireland the name may be derived from the place-name Geddes in Nairn, Scotland. However, according to the Dictionary of American Family Names, the surname is more likely a patronymic name derived from the name Geddie. This name (Geddie), may be an altered form of MacAdam. In this way, the letter G represents the Gaelic mac "son of" and Eddie is a variant of Adam. Geddie may also be a nickname meaning "greedy", derived from gedd meaning "pike", this could also refer to a voracious eater. The earliest written record of the surname Geddes is of William Ged, from Shropshire, England, recorded within the Pipe Rolls in the year 1230. The surname Geddes can be represented in Scottish Gaelic as Geadasach and Geadais.