Gecknay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• England

Early Origins of the Gecknay family

Early History of the Gecknay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gecknay research. Another 151 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1080, 1091, 1327, 1455, 1487, 1510, 1538 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Gecknay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gecknay Spelling Variations

Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Gecknay include Regney, Geckney, Regny, Reigney, Reigny, Reginy and many more.

Early Notables of the Gecknay family

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

Migration of the Gecknay family

Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Gecknay were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: 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..