Garnays History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

"This surname has been settled in Norfolk and Suffolk for six centuries. But the early scattered instances strongly presuppose a fontal origin." 1

Another source postulates the name was "perhaps from a derivative of the Old French word gernon meaning ‘moustache’. 2

Early Origins of the Garnays family

The surname Garnays was first found in Suffolk where Robert Garnoise held lands in 1194. Gilbert le Garneys was listed in Norfolk in 1269. 2 Another source notes Gilbert Garnoise succeeded Robert at Laxfield in 1202.

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 included entries for Roger Garneys, Suffolk; John Gerneys, Southamptonshire; and John Gerneys, Lincolnshire. 1

In Norfolk, we found entries for Robert Gameys, 1384; Ralph Garneys, 1446; and Nicholas Garnish, 1599 3 and in Yorkshire, the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 listed: Thomas Gamys; and Robert Gamys. 1

Early History of the Garnays family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Garnays research. Another 107 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1379, 1455, 1487, 1513 and 1534 are included under the topic Early Garnays History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Garnays Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Garnays have been found, including Garnish, Garneys, Garnoise, Garnays, Gareneys, Garniss, Garnies, Garness, Garnesh, Garnishe and many more.

Early Notables of the Garnays family

Distinguished members of the family include Sir Christopher Garneys or Garnysse (died 1534), Chief Porter of Calais, a gentleman usher of the king's chamber in the beginning of the reign of Henry VIII. "He was the king's companion in the masquerades then popular at court, and won money at cards from his royal master. He was rewarded by an annuity of 10l., soon afterwards...
Another 64 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Garnays Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Garnays family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Garnays, or a variant listed above: settlers, who arrived along the eastern seaboard, from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands.

The Garnays Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Goddes grace governe Garneys
Motto Translation: God's grace governs the Garneys

Citations +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Rye, Walter, A History of Norfolk. London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, 1885. Print