The Illsbey surname is a habitational name taken on from the villages of East and West Ilsley on the Berkshire Downs. These place names are derived from the Old English words "hild," meaning "strife," or "battle," and " le-ah," which is a clearing in the woods.
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Early Origins of the Illsbey family
The surname Illsbey was first found in Berkshire, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.
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Early History of the Illsbey family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Illsbey research. Another 65 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Illsbey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Illsbey Spelling Variations
Until quite recently, the English language has lacked a definite system of spelling rules. Consequently, Anglo-Saxon surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. Changes in Anglo-Saxon names were influenced by the evolution of the English language, as it incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other languages. Although Medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, so it is common to find one person referred to by several different spellings of his surname, even the most literate people varied the spelling of their own names. Variations of the name Illsbey include Illsley, Illsbey, Ilsley and others.
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Early Notables of the Illsbey family
More information is included under the topic Early Illsbey Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Illsbey family
Searching for a better life, many English families migrated to British colonies. Unfortunately, the majority of them traveled under extremely harsh conditions: overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the ocean. For those families that arrived safely, modest prosperity was attainable, and many went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the new colonies. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Illsbey or a variant listed above: John Ilsley, who came to New England in 1630 with his wife Barbara, and brother William; and Randall Illsley, who arrived in New York State in 1775.
England
