Surname Snoddy - Meaning and Origin

Snoddy: What does the surname Snoddy mean?

The surname Snoddy is of Scottish origin and it is believed to have derived from the word "snoad", which is an old term used to describe a pasture or clearing. The name Snoddy would thus typically suggest that the initial bearers of the name lived or worked in or around such an area. So, it's primarily a topographic surname for someone who lived by a patch of cleared ground. Alternatively, it can also relate to the name holder's dwelling place, possibly pointing to a place named 'Snodda's clearing'. In terms of personality traits, Snoddys are traditionally understood to be vibrant, friendly, and outgoing. However, these are generalizations and might not be applicable to every individual bearing this name. Over time, the name has spread to other parts of the world, including Northern Ireland, America, and Australia, through the process of migration. The precise interpretation can vary; as with all surnames their meaning can evolve or change entirely depending on cultural and geographical context.

Snoddy: Where does the name Snoddy come from?

Today, the last name Snoddy is most common across the United States and in the United Kingdom. In the United States, the Snoddy family is most commonly found in the Mid-Atlantic region and in the Appalachian Mountains. States such as Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky are home to many of the original Snoddy immigrants who left Ireland, Scotland, and England in the early 19th century.

By way of the 1850 Federal Census, data collected during that era indicates the Snoddy family was primarily located in the states of Pennsylvania and Virginia, with thirteen recorded records in the former and nine in the latter. Since then, migration patterns and other factors have resulted in the Snoddys being settled across the country, from Alabama to California.

In the United Kingdom, the Snoddy family is most commonly found in Scotland, where its ties date all the way back to 1150. Scotland has many places still bearing the name, such as the village of Snoddy in the East Ayrshire area.

In addition to the United States and the UK, the Snoddy name is also reflected from Canada to Australia. The origins of the family date back centuries, and it appears wider distribution has resulted over time.

Variations of the surname Snoddy

The surname Snoddy has various spellings, variants and surnames of the same origin. Snoddy can be spelled as Snodde, Snoddey, Snoddey, Snoddee, Snoddie, Snoddi, Snoadde, Snoade and Snoddey.

Snoddy is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic surname Mac Fheidhlimidh meaning “son of Felim”. It is derived from the personal name Féilim, made up of the Gaelic elements “féil,” meaning “valiant” and “im,” meaning “greatness.”

Variants of the surname Snoddy include MacFelimy, MacFeeny, MacGhee, McGhee, Ghee, MacGee, McGee, Feeny and Finney. These surnames developed independently in different parts of Ireland.

Snoddy is particularly associated with County Fermanagh, Ireland and the Scottish border regions. There are a number of spelling variations of the name, such as Snoddy, Snodde, Snoddey, Snoddee, Snoddie, Snoddi, Snoadde, Snoade and Snoddey.

Common Scottish variants of this surname are Snodgrass, Snook and Sneed. The standard modern Scots spelling of Snodgrass is a corruption of the Gaelic MacFhiodhgais, which literally means “son of Frank’s servant.” The Snook and Sneed variants developed from “snath,” an Old Scots word for “basket.”

Famous people with the name Snoddy

• Tom Snoddy: First Assistant Director, Producer, and Production Manager on Hollywood films such as "Inception" and "Rush Hour 2".
• Floyd Snoddy: Country music star and steel guitar player whose skill earned him the nickname "King of the Steel Guitar".
• Robert K. Snoddy: American politician of the Democratic Party who served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1989 to 1993.
• Andrew Snoddy: American football player who most recently played for the Miami Dolphins.
• Henry C. Snoddy: American soldier who received two Silver Stars for his actions in World War II, as well as a Bronze Star.
• Bill Snoddy: Comedian, actor, and game show host most well-known as the host of "Name That Tune" from 1977 to 1982.
• Karen Snoddy: Figure skater who competed in the 1960 Winter Olympics.
• Chad Snoddy: Professional football player who played for the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Redskins.
• Tarpley "T.J." Snoddy: American politician who served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 2017 to 2021.
• Robert Snoddy: President of Auburn University from 1992 to 2001.

Other surnames

Snoddie