Show ContentsBalgey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Anglo-Saxon name Balgey comes from when its first bearer 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 Balgey family

The surname Balgey 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 Balgey family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Balgey 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 Balgey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Balgey Spelling Variations

Until quite recently, the English language has lacked a definite system of spelling rules. Consequently, Anglo-Saxon surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. Changes in Anglo-Saxon names were influenced by the evolution of the English language, as it incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other languages. Although Medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, so it is common to find one person referred to by several different spellings of his surname, even the most literate people varied the spelling of their own names. Variations of the name Balgey include Balguy, Balgy, Balgay, Baulgy, Balgie, Ballguy and many more.

Early Notables of the Balgey 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 Balgey Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Balgey family

Searching for a better life, many English families migrated to British colonies. Unfortunately, the majority of them traveled under extremely harsh conditions: overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the ocean. For those families that arrived safely, modest prosperity was attainable, and many went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the new colonies. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Balgey or a variant listed above: Frances Balgay, who came to America in 1763.



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


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