indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Type Surname (from occupation & from location)
Usage Anglo-Saxon, Old Irish
Other Forms FormsLadd, Ladde, Laddey, Ladds, Lade, Ladey, Laddy
Meaning & History
The name--the surname of the legendary inspiration for the Luddites--was taken on by someone who worked as a person who worked as a servant or a page. This surname was originally derived from the Old English word Ladde, an English occupational name for a servant.Conversely, another source claims that name was derived differently as "in Old English and Scotch, a lade means a canal or duct for water. " In this latter scenario, the name would have been again an occupational name for one who works or lives near a canal.