Royse History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Early Origins of the Royse family

The surname Royse was first found in Kent where the name was a baptismal patronymic name which was derived from "the son of Royse." The first record for the family was that of Rothais who was listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. 1 2 Later in 1156, Rohais, wife of Gilbert de Gaunt was listed. A few years later, Roese de Lucy, wife of Fulbert de Dover was listed during the time of Henry II. These early records were always on the feminine side, but later the entries were listed for both genders.

The market-town and parish of Royston, Cambridgeshire is of particular significance to the family. "This town derived its name from a cross erected in the highway here, in the reign of William the Conqueror, by the Lady Roysia, Countess of Norfolk: the cross was called Royse's Cross; and a monastery having been established shortly afterwards by Eustachius de Mere and others, which led to the erection of houses, the place acquired the appellation of Royse's Town, whence its present name." 3

Early History of the Royse family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Royse research. Another 163 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1634, 1636, 1639 and 1666 are included under the topic Early Royse History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Royse Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Royce, Royse, Roys and others.

Early Notables of the Royse family

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

Royse Ranking

In the United States, the name Royse is the 15,680^th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 4

Migration of the Royse family to Ireland

Some of the Royse family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 40 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Royse migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Royse Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Robert Royse (Royce), who arrived in Salem, Massachusetts in 1630 aboard the ship "Ambrose" as part of the Winthrop Fleet.
Mrs. Elizabeth Royse (Royce) who arrived in Salem, Massachusetts in 1630 aboard the ship "Ambrose" as part of the Winthrop Fleet. 5

Royse Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Lillie Royse, aged 22, who immigrated to the United States from Carlow, in 1904
Samuel Herbt. Royse, aged 24, who landed in America from Manchester, England, in 1907
Joan Royse, aged 36, who settled in America from London, England, in 1914
James Royse, aged 23, who landed in America from Wexford, Ireland, in 1915
Jean Royse, aged 32, who immigrated to the United States from London, England, in 1919
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Royse (post 1700) +

Lemuel Willard Royse (1847-1946), American politician, U.S. Representative from Indiana
Sidney Royse Lysaght (1856-1941), Irish poet and novelist

Citations +

Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's. Retrieved January 6th 2023 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm