Show ContentsLyversay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

In ancient Anglo-Saxon England, the ancestors of the Lyversay surname lived in the township of Livesey which was in the parish of Blackburn in the county of Lancashire. The Lyversay surname is a Habitation name that was originally derived from the place-names of pre-existing towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads.

Early Origins of the Lyversay family

The surname Lyversay was first found in Lancashire at Livesey, a township, in the parish, union, and Lower division of the hundred of Blackburn. "This place gave name to a family who resided here, and were owners of the greater part of the township. James Levesey, in the reign of Edward VI. held the estate as a manor, as did his descendant, James Levesey, in the 9th of James I." 1

Early History of the Lyversay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lyversay research. Another 72 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Lyversay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Lyversay 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 Lyversay 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 Lyversay include: Livesey, Liversay, Liversey, Livezey and others.

Early Notables of the Lyversay family

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

Migration of the Lyversay 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 Lyversay or a variant listed above: Robert Livezey settled in Philadelphia in 1856; John Livesey settled in Philadelphia in 1833; Thomas Livesey arrived in Philadelphia in 1863.



  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


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