Sir name Roddy. Where did this originate?

Question:

Sir name Roddy. Where did this originate?

I hear tales that the Roddy name is actually a branch of the O'Roddy family name from Ireland? Where can I find out where my ancestors came from?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Beware of coat of arms peddlers. You will be furnished a link to a coat of arms.

There are no laws regarding heraldry in the United States and a person is free to display one if they wish but if they do not have documented proof that they are a direct descendant of the person granted the coat of arms it is like putting up a picture of a famous person with their surname and claiming him as their ancestor whether they know he is or not.

Not everyone with the same surname comes from the same root. There are many coats of arms for the same surname, for instance there are about 200 for the surname Lewis. However that does not mean everyone with the surname Lewis has ever had a coat of arms granted to any member of their family.

I feel that people who furnish links to coats of arms based on a surname do not know the rules of heraldry. However, I am suspicious that some work for coat of arms peddlers or own companies that peddle coat of arms. Those who peddle coat of arms, I believe, are the descendants of snake oil salesmen.