| ![Show Contents]() Imray History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
The distinguished surname Imray emerged among the industrious people of Flanders, which was an important trading partner and political ally of Britain during the Middle Ages. As a result of the frequent commercial intercourse between the Flemish and English nations, many Flemish migrants settled in Britain. In early times, people were known by only a single name. However, as the population grew and people traveled further afield, it became increasingly necessary to assume an additional name to differentiate between bearers of the same personal name. One of the most common classes of surname is the patronymic surname, which was usually derived from the first name of the person's father. Flemish surnames of this type are often characterized by the diminutive suffix -kin, which became very frequent in England during the 14th century. The surname Imray is derived from the Old French names Amauri and Emaurri. These are derived from the Old German name Amalric, which literally means work-rule. 1 Early Origins of the Imray familyThe surname Imray was first found in Perthshire where "the first of the name recorded in Scotland appears to have been Emeric, a Lombard or Flanders, who was spoiled by John Crabbe of Berwick in 1329, and indemnified by the chamberlain." 1 The brisk winds of time have dusted off some rather interesting entries about the Imray family. Spellings of the name were very different over the ages. "The escheat and forfeiture of Ade Emry, burgess of Dunblane, is recorded in 1424. Walter Ymery and Thomas Ymery were tenants of Conlony alias Condland in 1513, and James Immune in Dunfermline, 1563, appears also as Immerri (1567) and Immerrie (1569)." 1 Early History of the Imray familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Imray research. Another 258 words (18 lines of text) covering the years 1269, 1278, 1329, 1513, 1547, 1548, 1579, 1602, 1611, 1618, 1633, 1669, 1672, 1688, 1689, 1697, 1787, 1820, 1871, 1882, 1884, 1886 and 1902 are included under the topic Early Imray History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Imray Spelling VariationsFlemish surnames are characterized by a large number of spelling variations. One reason for this is that medieval English lacked definite spelling rules. The spellings of surnames were also influenced by the official court languages, which were French and Latin. Names were rarely spelled consistently in medieval times. Scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to specific spelling rules, and people often had their names registered in several different forms throughout their lives. One of the greatest reasons for change is the linguistic uniqueness of the Flemish settlers in England, who spoke a language closely related to Dutch. The pronunciation and spelling of Flemish names were often altered to suit the tastes of English-speaking people. In many cases, the first, final, or middle syllables of surnames were eliminated. The name has been spelled Imrie, Imray, Imre, Imbrie and others. Early Notables of the Imray familyProminent in the family at this time was - John Imray (1820-1902), Scottish co-founder of the Chartered Institute of Patent Agents in 1882, and served as President of the Institute from 1884 to 1886...
- He was also co-founder of Abel & Imray LLP (or Abel + Imray), a United Kingdom firm of patent and trade mark attorneys, with offices in London, Bath, Cardiff, and Delft in 1871, one of the oldest pate...
 Imray migration to Australia | + |
Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include: Imray Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century- John Imray, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Isabella Watson" in 1846 2
- Augustus Imray, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Isabella Watson" in 1846 2
- Augustua Imray, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Isabella Watson" in 1846 2
| Contemporary Notables of the name Imray (post 1700) | + |
- Phillip Benjamin "Phil" Imray (b. 1984), English footballer
- John Imray (1820-1902), Scottish engineer who assisted in founding the Chartered Institute of Patent Agents in 1882
- John Imray (1811-1880), Scottish physician, legislator, agriculturist and botanist
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Evertendo fecundat
Motto Translation: It renders fruitful by turning over.
- Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
- State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) ISABELLA WATSON 1846. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1846IsabellaWatson.htm
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Imray migration to Australia 
England
Scotland
