Lyllay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Lyllay is a name that dates far back into the mists of early British history to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes. It is derived from the popular female personal name Elizabeth. The name Lyllay is a metronymic surname, which is derived from the name of the mother. Occasionally, the surname is derived from residence in the settlement of Lilley in Hertfordshire or in the place called Lilly in Berkshire. In this case, the name Lyllay belongs to the large category of Anglo-Saxon habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads.

Early Origins of the Lyllay family

The surname Lyllay was first found in Worcestershire 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.

Early History of the Lyllay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lyllay research. Another 138 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1553, 1560, 1578, 1580, 1602, 1606, 1618, 1652, 1680, 1681 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Lyllay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Lyllay 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 Lyllay 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. The variations of the name Lyllay include: Lillie, Lilie, Lilley, Lilly and others.

Early Notables of the Lyllay family

Distinguished members of the family include Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680), born Pieter van der Faes, a Dutch painter whose career was nearly all spent in England, where he became the dominant portrait painter to the court; John Lyly (Lilly or Lylie; c.1553-1606), an English writer, poet, dramatist, playwright, and politician, best known for his books "Euphues, The...
Another 56 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Lyllay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Lyllay family to Ireland

Some of the Lyllay family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 70 words (5 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 Lyllay 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 Lyllay or a variant listed above: John Lilie who settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1738; Richard Lilley settled in Virginia in 1656; James Lilley settled in Virginia in 1774; Henry Lilley settled in Virginia in 1642.