Origin of the WADEY name

This is one of many (but not common) names in use today that comes from the widespread Anglo-Scandinavian personal name Woelpeof (in Old Norse Valpiofr).  This was composed of the elements val (battle) & piofr (thief) which means 'one who snatched victory out of battle'.

Some examples of other names with the same origin: 

WADDY, WALDIE, WALDO, WALTHEW, WEALTHY, WILDEY & WILTHEW.