Show ContentsEastdye History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Eastdye family

The surname Eastdye was first found in Kent at Eastry, a civil parish and ancient Saxon village that dates back to at least the 9th century when it was listed as Eastorege. By the time of the Domesday Book of 1086, the place name had evolved to Estrei 1 and literally meant "eastern district or region," from the Old English words "easter" + "ge." 2

According to legend, the royal palace of the Saxon kings of Kent stood here. Another legend claim that King Ecgberht of Kent (died c. 673) had his cousins Aethelred and Aethelberht killed within the palace walls. And another story claims Thomas Becket hid in Eastry's caves during his escape in 1164. 3

Early History of the Eastdye family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Eastdye research. Another 133 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1106, 1432, 1455, 1487, 1510, 1566, 1600, 1601, 1634, 1640, 1692 and 1711 are included under the topic Early Eastdye History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Eastdye Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Eastdye are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. Scribes and monks in the Middle Ages spelled names they sounded, so it is common to find several variations that refer to a single person. The variations of the name Eastdye include: Eastday, Eastdye, Eastdai, Estday, Estdye and others.

Early Notables of the Eastdye family

Distinguished members of the family include Mary Towne Eastey (also spelled Esty, Easty, Estey, or Estye) (1634-1692), born Mary Towne in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. She and her family emigrated to America around 1640 and...
Another 34 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Eastdye Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Eastdye family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Eastdye or a variant listed above: the name represented in many forms and recorded from the mid 17th century in the great migration from Europe. Migrants settled in the eastern seaboard from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands..



  1. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  2. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
  3. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


Houseofnames.com on Facebook