Hilslay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The name Hilslay is of Anglo-Saxon origin and came from when the family lived in the village of Hildersley, a tithing in Gloucester.

Early Origins of the Hilslay family

The surname Hilslay was first found in Gloucestershire, where evidence suggests they held a family seat before the Norman Conquest.

Early History of the Hilslay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hilslay research. Another 118 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1273, 1375, 1598, 1640, 1653, 1654, 1659 and 1681 are included under the topic Early Hilslay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hilslay Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Hilslay are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. Scribes and monks in the Middle Ages spelled names they sounded, so it is common to find several variations that refer to a single person. The variations of the name Hilslay include: Hildersly, Hildest, Hilders, Hilder, Hildesley, Hilderly, Hilderley and many more.

Early Notables of the Hilslay family

Another 38 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hilslay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Hilslay family to Ireland

Some of the Hilslay family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 32 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Hilslay family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Hilslay or a variant listed above: John Hillsley, who sailed to Philadelphia in 1870.