Show ContentsEasttay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Easttay family

The surname Easttay 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 Easttay family

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

Easttay Spelling Variations

Easttay has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Easttay have been found, including Eastday, Eastdye, Eastdai, Estday, Estdye and others.

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

Migration of the Easttay family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Easttays to arrive on North American shores: 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.


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