Landray History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Etymology of Landray

What does the name Landray mean?

The Anglo-Saxons of Britain first developed the name Landray. It was a name given to someone who was a person or officer who was in charge of washing derived from the Middle English word "lavendrie." 1 2

However other source disagree. One course claims the name is a "descendant of Landry (country, powerful)" 3 and another claims the name is from the "Anglo-Saxon, a landríca, specifically a ‘lord of the manor,’ ‘landlord,’ ‘ local magnate.’ " 4

Early Origins of the Landray family

The surname Landray was first found in the Domesday Book of 1086 where Landri and Landricus were registered. 5 Later, Gerard Landri was listed in the Pipe Rolls for Devon in 1198. In Lincolnshire, Willelmus filius Landrei was registered in the Curia Regis Rolls for 1219 and later in Somerset, Ricardus de la Lavendaria was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls for 1219. Again in Somerset, Robert de la Lauendrie was listed in the Assize Rolls for 1278. 1

In Somerset, we found these early entries, 1 Edward III (during the reign of King Edward III): William le Lavender, Somerset; and Roger atte Louendrye, Somerset. 6

"This surname has crossed the Atlantic and flourishes in the States, although all but extinct in England." 2

Early History of the Landray family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Landray research. Another 82 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1086 is included under the topic Early Landray History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Landray Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Landray have been found, including Landry, Landray, Landrey, Laundry and others.

Early Notables of the Landray family

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

Migration of the Landray family to Ireland

Some of the Landray family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Landray family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Among the first immigrants of the name Landray, or a variant listed above to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were: a large family of Landry who settled in Oxford in Maryland in 1763; including Charles, Elaine, Elizabeth, Jean, Joseph his wife Mary; Judith, Margaret, Marie, and Simon. In Newfoundland, John Landry settled in St. John'.

Sources +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.