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Nomenclature

There are two major variations of the Mayhead surname found in the Oving district, Mayhood and Madhead, other possible variants are Mawhood, Manhood, Ma(h)ood. As yet we have not found any authoritative written references to the origins of the above surnames.

Mayhead, The Mayhead family origins as yet are vague, but early records are found in the parish of Oving, West Sussex and London, England. Some evidence of an early connection between the two locations is apparent in census and church records. however the earliest references to the name appear in Oving.

Mayhood,Together with the variation Ma(h)ood. appears in Oving and London,

Madhead,
This variant lasted for about one generation in Oving probably the result of a strong dialect and an incumbent with a wry sense of humour. However this is the earliest recorded form of the name and can be found in the county of Dorset in "1654".

Mawhood & Manhood, Are other possible alternatives.
The name Manhood may be derived from an area of West Sussex, situated south of Chichester known as the Manhood peninsular, this was originally given to Wilfred the exiled Bishop of York by Edelwalch,
King of Wessex and formed the HUNDRED OF MANHOOD or MANWODE.

It has been suggested that Manwode is derived from the Saxon for Meonude, as part of East & West Meon ? "Bishops archives hold a volume marked Liberties of the Barony of Manwode"
Records mention Manhood as early as 1525.

This document is maintained by rosie@mayhead.org.uk.