The name Steady is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon
tribes of Britain. Steady was a name used for a man of mettle, or someone noted for his high spirits. In this case, this surname is derived from the Old English word steda,
which means stud-horse
Early Origins of the Steady family
The surname Steady was first found in Yorkshire
where they held a family seat
from very early times.
Early History of the Steady family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Steady research.Another 249 words (18 lines of text) covering the years 1376, 1588, 1417, 1581, 1619, 1796, 1701 and 1735 are included under the topic Early Steady History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Steady Spelling Variations
Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred
years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations
in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon
and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Steady include Stead, Steed and others.
Early Notables of the Steady family (pre 1700)
Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Steady Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Steady family to the New World and Oceana
Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England
at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Steady were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: Thomas Stead who settled in Virginia in 1649; Elizabeth Stead settled in Nevis in 1660; another Elizabeth settled in New York State in 1774; Thomas Stead settled in Cape Fear N.C. in 1774.