Show ContentsCambay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Cambay family

The surname Cambay was first found in Denbighshire where William de Chambre (fl. 1365?), was one of the continuators of Robert de Graystanes' 'Historia Dunelmensis,' appears to have flourished in the latter half of the fourteenth century; unfortunately very little is known of his lineage. 1

Early History of the Cambay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cambay research. Another 111 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1435, 1470, 1492, 1549, 1600, 1739 and 1823 are included under the topic Early Cambay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Cambay Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence in the eras before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate regularly changed the spellings of their names as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Cambay have been found, including Chambre, ChamBerry, Chambry, Chambury, Chamby and many more.

Early Notables of the Cambay family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was John Chambre (1470-1549), English physician whose name is also spelt Chamber, Chambyr, and Chambers, born in Northumberland, studied at Oxford, where he was elected fellow of Merton College...
Another 36 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Cambay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Cambay family

For many English families, the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. For such families, the shores of Ireland, Australia, and the New World beckoned. They left their homeland at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. Many arrived after the long voyage sick, starving, and without a penny. But even those were greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. Numerous English settlers who arrived in the United States and Canada at this time went on to make important contributions to the developing cultures of those countries. Many of those families went on to make significant contributions to the rapidly developing colonies in which they settled. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Cambay were among those contributors: Ann Chamby who settled in Virginia in 1651; James Chambore settled in Charles Town [Charleston], South Carolina in 1820.



  1. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


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