Does anyone know the origins of the name Puddy?

Question

My grandfather tracked it back to England, but noted that at one point there were none/very few, then all of a sudden a number of Puddy's appeared in southern England. It was approximately the same time that a Portugese merchant ship sank in the same area, but there weren't any records of it.

Answer 1

According to Ancestry.com the name originates from England, Ireland, and Wales.

I have attached a link to the source information below.

Answer 2

It's quite common in the West Country part of England - Somerset and surroundings.

Answer 3

I always thought it was of Irish orgin