Gundray History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland

The Anglo-Saxon name Gundray comes from Gundred and variants such as Grundy and Gundreda. The personal name Gundred is an old Germanic name which meant "battle ruler," and became common in England in the centuries following the Norman Conquest as a new wave of immigration from continental Europe swept England.

Early Origins of the Gundray family

The surname Gundray was first found in Yorkshire where Aicusa filia Grundi, who was recorded in 1204. 1

However, we did find and older listing of the name, but in its Latin form: Gundrea, mater Rogeri de Moubraie, 1138, called by Young the historian of Whitby, 'Gundrey Moiwbray.' 2

In Scotland, Robert Grundy de Neuton, Roxburghshire, rendered homage to King Edward I in 1296, and Adam Grondy was juror on inquisition made at Roxburgh, 1303. 3

Early History of the Gundray family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gundray research. Another 58 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1701, 1711, 1720, 1729 and 1754 are included under the topic Early Gundray History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gundray Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Gundray were recorded, including Grundy, Grundie, Ground, Grounds, Groundey and others.

Early Notables of the Gundray family

Another 49 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Gundray Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Gundray family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Gundray family emigrate to North America: John Grundy, who settled in Virginia in 1635; James Grundy, who came to Barbados in 1681; George Grundy, who was naturalized in Norfolk, Virginia in 1793.

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)