(Last name of Ruth Bellflower's mother) Moody is an English surname. It ranks in the top 200 most common surnames in English speaking nations. It is most commonly acknowledged as being of English origin. The earliest known example dates from the 12th century in a Devonshire early English charter-where the name Alwine 'Modig' is mentioned. Recent census research suggests that the surname has been most consistently popular in Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire and also in areas of north east England.[1] There is also a high incidence of the similar-sounding surname 'Moodie' in Scotland and Orkney, although the variant ending "ie" is thought to be unrelated and Celtic in origin. The surname Moody was also carried to areas of Ireland settled by the early English. Although the most intensive areas of occurrence match areas of dense Anglo-Saxon habitation post 1066, it is difficult to determine if the name is Anglo-Saxon or Nordic/Viking in origin, since all Germanic countries used the word 'Modig' or 'Mutig' to indicate someone who was bold, impetuous or brave. Surnames were increasingly given through the early Middle Ages to assist taxation and an increasing incidence of the name can be followed in such documents as the Hundred Rolls, early English charters and general medieval assizes associated with such actions as baronial struggles, Crusades or Angevin campaigns in France.
There was a significant incidence of the name among early American immigrants from England in the 17th century.
(Last name of Bill Bellflower's mother)
Davis is a patronymic surname originating in England or Wales, that means 'son of David'.[3] It is the 52nd most common surname in the United Kingdom.[4] According to the 1990 United States Census survey, 'Davis' was the 6th most frequently reported surname, accounting for 0.48% of the population, preceding Miller and following Brown in frequency.[5] It is also semi-common amongst Ashkenazi Jews in Anglophone countries. This surname is also found in Ireland.[6]
Davis is also a Sept [2] of the Scottish Clan Davidson.
