Eastlay History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsEarly Origins of the Eastlay familyThe surname Eastlay was first found in Hampshire at Eastleigh, originally a Saxon village first recorded c. 932 as "East lea" where "leah" was an ancient Anglo-Saxon word meaning "a clearing in a forest." Collectively the place name meant "east wood or clearing." 1 The village lies on the old Roman road, built c. 79 A.D. between Winchester and Bitterne. By the time of the Domesday Book of 1086, the village was known as Estleie. 2 Today the village is a railway town in the Borough of Eastleigh. As far as the surname is concerned, it was first referenced in the year 1219 when Henry of Estleia held estates in Yorkshire. 3 Early History of the Eastlay familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Eastlay research. Another 162 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1455, 1487, 1510, 1541 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Eastlay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Eastlay Spelling VariationsThe 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. Eastlay has been spelled many different ways, including Eastley, Eastleigh, Eastly, Easley, Easly, Easlie and many more. Early Notables of the Eastlay familyMore information is included under the topic Early Eastlay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Eastlay familyThousands 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 Eastlays to arrive in North America: Mary Eastley, who arrived in Virginia in 1719. The is an Easley family prominent in Missouri.
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