|
![Show Contents]() Akelay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 England
The name Akelay is of Anglo-Saxon origin and came from when the family lived in a clearing surrounded by oak trees. The surname Akelay literally means oak-meadow. 1 The surname Akelay is associated with the village of Acle in Norfolk, and the village of Akeley in Buckinghamshire. Early Origins of the Akelay familyThe surname Akelay was first found in Norfolk or Buckinghamshire. Of the two locations, Akeley (Akely) in Buckinghamshire seems to be the strongest place of origin for the surname. Located "in the union, hundred, and county of Buckingham, 2½ miles (N. by E.) from the town of Buckingham," 2 Akeley has remained small over the years as by the late 1800s, it only had a population of 362. 2 However, the parish dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086 when it was first listed as Achelei. 3 Some of the family were found in Whitworth, Durham in early years. "According to the Boldon book, this manor was held by Thomas de Acley, by the service of a quarter of a knight's fee." 2 Early History of the Akelay familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Akelay research. Another 295 words (21 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1273, 1500, 1610 and 1769 are included under the topic Early Akelay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Akelay Spelling VariationsIt is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Akelay 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. Scribes and monks in the Middle Ages spelled names they sounded, so it is common to find several variations that refer to a single person. The variations of the name Akelay include: Ackley, Acley, Acle, Ackle, Aclie, Acklie, Acly and others. Early Notables of the Akelay familyMore information is included under the topic Early Akelay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Akelay familyMany 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 Akelay or a variant listed above: Henry Ackerly, who sailed to New Haven, Connecticut in 1640. Also, Nicholas Acly who arrived in Connecticut in 1655; William Ackley in Virginia in 1664.
- Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
- Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
- Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
|
