Annandale

This interesting surname, with variant spelling Annadale, is of Scottish locational origin, and refers to a parish and dale in Dumfrieshire through which the river Annan flows. The surname isn't very common as its first recording isn't until the middle of the 17th Century. Old forms of the surname are Annerdaill, Annardale and Annandail (1662). On June 10th 1662, John Annandaill married Majory Anderson in Edinburgh, Midlothian. On June 21st 1687, David Annandale married Helen Galbreath in Edinburgh and there was one, Elsbeth Annandale in St. Cuthberts, Edinburgh on September 24th 1691. Some famous namebearers include N. Annandlae, who published "The Faroes and Shetland" (1095), Thomas Annandale (1838 - 1907), senior surgeon, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, and Dr. Charles Annandale 91843 - 1915), lexicographer. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Elspet Anandel in Nether Tullo, which was dated 1657, The Commissariot record of Brechin, during the reign of Oliver Cromwell, "The Great Protector", 1649 - 1658. 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.