Soddy

Soddy is a surname of English origin and can also refer to places associated with the name. The best-known bearers include Frederick Soddy, a British radiochemist, and the Tennessee community of Soddy-Daisy.

Frederick Soddy (1877–1956) was an English chemist who made foundational contributions to the study of radioactivity and the concept of isotopes. In 1913, he coined the term isotope and, together with Kasimir Fajans, helped establish that elements can occur in different atomic forms with identical chemical properties but different masses. He contributed to the understanding of radioactive decay and the relationship between isotopes and the atomic nucleus. For these achievements, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1921 “for his contributions to the chemistry of radioactive substances and the origin and structure of the atomic nucleus.”

Soddy-Daisy is a city in Hamilton County, Tennessee, United States, named for the nearby communities of Soddy and Daisy. It lies in the Chattanooga metropolitan area and is part of the region known for its foothills and proximity to the Tennessee River.

The name Soddy also appears as a surname. In addition to Frederick Soddy, other individuals with the surname may be encountered in historical or genealogical contexts.