Many variations of the name Allay have evolved since the time of its initial creation. In Gaelic it appeared as Mac Amhalghaidh or Mac Amhlaoibh. The former name denotes a son of Auley, while the later denotes a son of Auliffe or a son of Humphrey. They claim descent through the Heremon line of Irish kings. (O'Hart)
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Early Origins of the Allay family
The surname Allay was first found in county Westmeath (Irish: An Iarmhí) in the Irish Midlands, province of Leinster, where at one time the area which is now Ballyloughnoe was once called "McGawley's Country." There is another sept named Mac Amhlaoibh in Gaelic which were a branch of the MacGuires and mainly found in County Fermanagh. This branch gave their name to Clanawley. 1
Early History of the Allay family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Allay research. Another 109 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1787 and 1841 are included under the topic Early Allay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Allay Spelling Variations
The Middle Ages saw a great number of spelling variations for surnames common to the Irish landscape. One reason for these variations is the fact that surnames were not rigidly fixed by this period. The following variations for the name Allay were encountered in the archives: MacAulay, MacAwley, MacAuley, MacAullay, MacAulley, MacAwlay, MacCaulay, MacCawley, MacGawley, Magawley, Cauley, Caulay, McCamley and many more.
Early Notables of the Allay family
Another 34 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Allay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Allay family
Death and immigration greatly reduced Ireland's population in the 19th century. For the native Irish people poverty, hunger, and racial prejudice was common. Therefore, thousands left their homeland to seek opportunity in North America. Those who survived the journey and the quarantine camps to which they arrived, were instrumental towards building the strong developing nations of the United States and the future Canada. By far, the largest influx of Irish settlers occurred with Great Potato Famine during the late 1840s. These were employed as construction or factory workers. An examination of passenger and immigration lists has shown early immigrants bearing the name Allay: James MacCauley settled in Charles Town in 1772 with his wife; Kenneth MacAulay settled in Philadelphia in 1774; Alexander, George, Henry, James, John, William MacAuley all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860.
