Forsay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland

The ancient and distinguished surname Forsay is of Old English origin. It is derived from "fosseg," meaning "dweller by the low-lying land near a dyke."

Early Origins of the Forsay family

The surname Forsay was first found in Durham, where the family was anciently seated as Lords of the Manor. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed, but Saxon surnames survived and the name was first referenced in the 13th century, when the family held estates in that county.

Early History of the Forsay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Forsay research. Another 93 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1650, 1679, 1681, 1683 and 1705 are included under the topic Early Forsay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Forsay Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Forsay include Forser, Forzer, Fouser, Fourzer, Forcer, Forsar, Forzar, Fousse, Foussard, Fors, Forse, Forsberg, Fosse, Forsey, Forsay and many more.

Early Notables of the Forsay family

Distinguished members of the family include Francis Forcer the Elder (1650?-1705?), an English composer. He " is mentioned by Hawkins as the writer of many songs, five of which may be found in Playford's 'Choyce Ayres and Dialogues,' bk. ii. 1679, one in the edition of 1681, and...
Another 47 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Forsay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Forsay migration to the United States +

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants:

Forsay Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Robert Forsay, who was granted land in Virginia in 1691