Balgay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The founding heritage of the Balgay family is in the Anglo-Saxon culture that once dominated in Britain. The name Balgay comes from when one of the family worked as a person of a conjectural profession. It is thought that this name is occupational in nature, due to the structure of the name of the first person to bear the name.

Early Origins of the Balgay family

The surname Balgay was first found in Norfolk, where the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 listed Hugh le (sic) Baylgy. The inclusion of the word le in a name usually indicates that it is occupational, however, no records exist which indicate what a balgy does. Hugh le Balgy 1 and Geoffrey Balky (Lincolnshire) were also listed in the same rolls.

Over one hundred years later, the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 listed Magota Balgy; Matilda Balgr; and Dionicia Balgy. 2

Early History of the Balgay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Balgay research. Another 127 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1379, 1397, 1399, 1503, 1602, 1686, 1696, 1702, 1716, 1748 and 1785 are included under the topic Early Balgay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Balgay Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Balgay has been spelled many different ways, including Balguy, Balgy, Balgay, Baulgy, Balgie, Ballguy and many more.

Early Notables of the Balgay family

Distinguished members of the family include John Balguy (1686-1748), English divine, born 12 Aug. 1686 at Sheffield. "His father, Thomas, who was master of the Sheffield grammar school, died in 1696, and was succeeded by Mr. Daubux, under...
Another 37 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Balgay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Balgay migration to the United States +

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Balgays to arrive in North America:

Balgay Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Frances Balgay, who settled in America in 1763

Citations +

Page, William (ed), A History of the County of Norfolk. London: Victoria County History, 1906. Print
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)