Paullay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The origins of the Paullay surname are uncertain. It may have derive from the Middle English words "pale," and "eye," in which case it was likely a nickname which evolved into a name. Or it may come from an Old Scandinavian personal name, "Palle," which was probably originally an ethnic name for someone from Poland.

Early Origins of the Paullay family

The surname Paullay was first found in Yorkshire where the name was first borne as a personal name by a powerful Dane mentioned in the Saxon Chronicle as Pallig A.D. 1101. 1

Early History of the Paullay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Paullay research. Another 113 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1101, 1379, 1455, 1487 and 1591 are included under the topic Early Paullay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Paullay 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 Paullay 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 Paullay include: Paley, Pailey, Palley, Pallie, Pailley, Pailie and many more.

Early Notables of the Paullay family

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

Migration of the Paullay 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 Paullay or a variant listed above: Peter Paley, who came to Virginia in 1670; John Palley, a bonded passenger, who arrived in Virginia in 1726; William Paley, who came to Baltimore in 1811.

Citations +

Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.