First found in Northampton where they were later awarded lands for their assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

 More

More about the bray History...

Please remember that this page is only a small extract of our complete history that includes:

• Ancient origin of the name (usually pre-1100)
• Known spelling variations
• Early movement of the family name during the Middle Ages
• Noteworthy bearers from the 1500-1600s
• First settlers to North America
• Notable contemporary bearers of the name
• A description and/or full color picture of the Coat of Arms, Crest, and Motto (where available)

To escape the political and religious persecution within England at the time, many English families left for the various British colonies abroad. The voyage was extremely difficult, though, and the cramped, dank ships caused many to arrive in the New World diseased and starving. But for those who made it, the trip was most often worth it. Many of the families who arrived went on to make valuable contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name bray or a variant listed above: Mistris Bray who settled in Virginia in 1622; followed by Henry and Nicholas in 1652; John Bray settled in Maine in 1630; Rob Bray settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1679.

For more information on the last name bray, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.