Show ContentsKemmoray History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Kemmoray reached England in the great wave of migration following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Kemmoray family lived in Leicestershire. The family name, though, is a reference to the area of Cambrai, near Falaise, in Normandy. Originally erected in the 6th century as the Diocese of Cambrai, its jurisdiction was immense and included even Brussels and Antwerp.

Early Origins of the Kemmoray family

The surname Kemmoray was first found in Leicestershire, where Godridius (Geoffroi) de Chambrai was awarded estates in return for his service to William the Conqueror. Wace, the Norman poet, mentions Cil de Combrai as one of the knights who challenged King Harold to come forth at Senlac in 1066 and this is probably a reference to Geoffroi de Cambrai.

Early History of the Kemmoray family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kemmoray research. Another 248 words (18 lines of text) covering the years 1165, 1199, 1203, 1273, 1500, 1664, 1701, 1798 and 1806 are included under the topic Early Kemmoray History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kemmoray 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 Kemmoray family name include Cambrey, Cambray, Cambrai, Combray, Cambreye, Camray and many more.

Early Notables of the Kemmoray family

More information is included under the topic Early Kemmoray Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Kemmoray 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 Kemmoray family to immigrate North America: Joseph Cambrey who arrived in Philadelphia in 1847.



Houseofnames.com on Facebook