Ardlay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Ardlay first arose amongst the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is derived from their having lived in the parish of Eardley in Staffordshire.

Early Origins of the Ardlay family

The surname Ardlay was first found in Staffordshire where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Ardlay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ardlay research. Another 89 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1273 and 1824 are included under the topic Early Ardlay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ardlay Spelling Variations

One relatively recent invention that did much to standardize English spelling was the printing press. However, before its invention even the most literate people recorded their names according to sound rather than spelling. The spelling variations under which the name Ardlay has appeared include Eardley, Eardisley, Erdley, Eardlie, Ardley, Ardlie, Eardleigh, Ardleigh, Ardisley and many more.

Early Notables of the Ardlay family

More information is included under the topic Early Ardlay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Ardlay family

At this time, the shores of the New World beckoned many English families that felt that the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. Thousands left England at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. A great portion of these settlers never survived the journey and even a greater number arrived sick, starving, and without a penny. The survivors, however, were often greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. These English settlers made significant contributions to those colonies that would eventually become the United States and Canada. An examination of early immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Ardlay arrived in North America very early: Marjorie Eardley who settled in New England in 1760; Catherine Eardly settled in Boston Mass in 1849.

The Ardlay Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Non nobis solum
Motto Translation: Not for ourselves alone.