Oda

This very interesting name was originally Germanic (pre 7th Century) and translates as "wealth" being found as Odda, Oda, Odo and Otto. The name was hereditary within the Saxon ruling house and was also that of the half brother of William the Conqueror, who was subsequently rewarded for his support with four hundred and thirty nine, confiscated Manors! As a surname no less that fourteen Coats of Arms have been granted to the "Otto's" of Saxony, Prussia, Austria, The Netherlands and France, whilst the name first appears in England in the late 17th Century. Elizabeth Otto, being recorded at St. Pauls, Westminster in 1697. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Henry Oto. which was dated 1693, baptised at St. Martins in the Field, London. during the reign of King William 111, of Orange and England, 1689 - 1703. 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.