There are several possible origins for the distinguished surname Flays. Firstly, the name may be derived from "Flée," the name of a place in the Cote-d'Or in France; in this case, the name would mean "one from Flée," and would have been brought to England in the wake of the Norman Conquest of 1066. Alternatively, the name may be derived from the Old English "fleah," meaning "flea"; in this instance, it is likely that the name was bestowed on the original bearer as a nickname.
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Early Origins of the Flays family
The surname Flays was first found in the southern counties of England. The earliest known bearer of the name was William Fleie, who was listed in the Feodarium Prioratus Dunelmensis of 1233.
Early History of the Flays family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Flays research. Another 94 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1066, 1233, 1332, 1620 and 1642 are included under the topic Early Flays History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Flays Spelling Variations
Before the advent of the printing press and the first dictionaries, the English language was not standardized. Sound was what guided spelling in the Middle Ages, so one person's name was often recorded under several variations during a single lifetime. Spelling variations were common, even among the names of the most literate people. Known variations of the Flays family name include Flay, Flaye, Fleay and others.
Early Notables of the Flays family
Another 29 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Flays Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Flays family
To escape the political and religious chaos of this era, thousands of English families began to migrate to the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. The passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe; however, those who made the voyage safely were encountered opportunities that were not available to them in their homeland. Many of the families that reached the New World at this time went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations of the United States and Canada. Research into various historical records has revealed some of first members of the Flays family to immigrate North America: Marie Flaye, who immigrated to Louisiana with her family during the 18th century; and Walter Flay, who was recorded in the 1871 census of Ontario.
