A great many people in Eastern Kentucky and North Carolina (particularly around Wilkes County) are descendants of the Caudill family. The new world progenitor (from whom I descend at least four different ways), arrived prior to 1718 in Southside Virginia. I have long been interested in this family's story. My initial thoughts, and what I initially saw online years ago, was that this surname was an elision of Caldwell, and would indicate Lowland descent. However, more recently I've seen references to Caudill being a sept of the Campbells of Cawdor, which of course is geographically rather different. Is anyone out there familiar enough with this surname/family to suggest which is likely more accurate? Thanks.