Show ContentsEmbsay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Embsay family

The surname Embsay was first found in the West Riding of Yorkshire at Embsay, with Eastby, a township, in the parish and union of Skipton, E. division of the wapentake of Staincliffe and Ewcross. "This place was distinguished for its priory, founded in 1120, for Augustine canons, by William de Meschines and his wife Cecilia de Romili, and which, after flourishing for about thirty years, was removed by their daughter Adeliza to Bolton: a chapel was continued long after its removal. " 1

Early History of the Embsay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Embsay research. Another 84 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1631 is included under the topic Early Embsay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Embsay Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Embsay has been recorded under many different variations, including Embsay, Empsall, Empsay, Empshall, Emsall, Empsall, Emsay, Empsale, Embsale, Emsale, Elmsall, Elmsay, Hemshall, Hempshall, Hempsale, Hempsall and many more.

Early Notables of the Embsay family

More information is included under the topic Early Embsay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Embsay family

To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Embsays were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: settlers were recorded from the mid 17th century in the great migration from Europe. Migrants settled on the eastern seaboard from Newfoundland, to Boston, to Virginia, to Florida, and to the islands..



  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


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