Eastrey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Early Origins of the Eastrey family

The surname Eastrey 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 Eastrey family

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

Eastrey Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Eastrey were recorded, including Eastday, Eastdye, Eastdai, Estday, Estdye and others.

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

Migration of the Eastrey family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Eastrey family emigrate to North America: 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..

Citations +

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