The origins of the Anglo-Saxon name Aylard come from its first bearer, who was a person considered to be brave and noble.
The surname Aylard was first found in Norfolk and Northampton where they were recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086 when Adelard was an under tenant of lands at that time.
"Adelard of Bath was a 12th century writer on philosophy, of English birth, flourished about the beginning of the twelfth century. His English name was Æthelhard. His native place is said to have been Bath; but of the facts of his life little is known beyond the few references to travels contained in his own writings, and an entry in the Pipe Roll, 31 Henry I. " [1]
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Aylard research. Another 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Aylard History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Aylard has been spelled many different ways, including Aelheard, Adelard, Adlard and others.
More information is included under the topic Early Aylard Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Aylards to arrive in North America: James Adlard who settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the year 1876; but shortly afterward moved to the west. Paul and William Allard had landed in the year 1767.