Show ContentsAlfay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Alfay has a rich and ancient history. It is an Anglo-Saxon name that was originally derived from the Germanic personal name Aldway which was derived from Aeoelwig, which meant noble war.

Early Origins of the Alfay family

The surname Alfay was first found in Suffolk where Godric filius Ælfuuii was listed at Bury St Edmunds c.1095. Later, the singular Alfwy was registered in Berkshire in 1212 and in the same year, Swein and William Alvi were registered in the Curia Regis Rolls for Oxfordshire. 1 This county would become a stronghold for the family as the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 had several early spellings of the name listed: Robert Alewi; Aldwy ad Fontem; William Aldwy and Walter Elwy. 2

In Sussex, Adam Alfwy was listed in the Subsidy Rolls for 1296; John and Agnes Aluy were both listed in the Subsidy Rolls for 1327 as was Edward Eluy in the same year. 1

About the same time, the source the History of Norfolk notes: "Roger Bigot had a small tenure at the Survey, held by a freeman of Alwi, in King Edward's reign." 3

Early History of the Alfay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Alfay research. Another 199 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1212, 1279, 1296, 1327, 1349, 1369, 1530, 1533, 1537, 1538, 1561, 1584, 1645, 1676, 1704, 1805, 1816, 1830, 1834, 1835, 1838, 1840 and 1860 are included under the topic Early Alfay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Alfay Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Alfay include Alvey, Alvay, Alvy, Alvie, Allvey, Elvy, Elvey, Aelfuuii, Alvi, Alfy, Elphey, Alfwy, Aluy, Eluy and many more.

Early Notables of the Alfay family

Distinguished members of the family include William Alvi, a prominent 13th century landholder in Oxfordshire.Richard Alvey (died 1584), was an English clergyman, Master of the Temple Church. He received his education at Cambridge, where he graduated B.A. in 1530 and M.A. in 1533. He was admitted a fellow of St. John's College...
Another 52 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Alfay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Alfay family

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: Samuel Alvey, who sailed to New York in 1822; and Thomas Alvey to Philadelphia 1873.



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  3. Rye, Walter, A History of Norfolk. London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, 1885. Print


Houseofnames.com on Facebook