Show ContentsBlainay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

While Blainay has long been known as an Irish name, the origins of the ancient name Blainay belong to that rich Celtic tradition that comes from Wales. This surname was derived from the Welsh personal name Blethyn.

Early Origins of the Blainay family

The surname Blainay was first found in Worcestershire, but moved to Ireland in the 1500's. Today a small village named Blaney (from the Irish: Bléinigh meaning "creeks") lies in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. Locals claim the area takes its name from the Irish word "Bléan" which also means a "creek." 1

Early History of the Blainay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Blainay research. Another 205 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1570, 1573, 1602, 1603, 1604, 1629, 1646, 1689, 1802 and 1874 are included under the topic Early Blainay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Blainay Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Blayney, Blainey, Blaney, Blany, Blaney, Blainay, Blanay, Blaynay, Bleiney and many more.

Early Notables of the Blainay family

Prominent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was Sir Edward Blayney, also Blainey or Blaney (1570-1629?), Welsh soldier in Ireland who became Baron Blayney of Monaghan. For his bravery, Edward was knighted at Dublin Castle in 1603...
Another 38 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Blainay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Blainay family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Charles Blaney, who settled in New York in 1807; John Blayney, who arrived in Washington Co., PA in 1808; Elinor Blany, who arrived in New York in 1811.



The Blainay 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: Integra mens augustissima possessio
Motto Translation: An honest mind is the most glorious possession


  1. MacLysaght, Edward, Irish Families Their Names, Arms and Origins 4th Edition. Dublin: Irish Academic, 1982. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2364-7)


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