Show ContentsLaysynbey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The history of the Laysynbey family goes back to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. It is derived from the family living in Lazonby, in Cumberland, or in Lazenby, in Yorkshire. The place-name Lazenby and Lazonby have the same etymology. They are derived from the Old Scandinavian words leysingi, which meant "freed men," and by, which meant farm or enclosure. The place-name as a whole means "farm of the freed men." It is possible that the name is derived from the old Scandinavian personal name Leysingr. The Scandinavians have had a lasting impact on the north of England, thanks to the waves of pillage, invasion and colonization which started in the eighth and 9th centuries and ended in the 10th. There are many place-names in the north of England which have Norse and Scandinavian elements.

Early Origins of the Laysynbey family

The surname Laysynbey was first found in Yorkshire at Lazenby (Lazonby), which dates back to the Domesday Book where it was listed as Lesingebi 1 and was in "the land of the King in Yorkshire." Lazonby is a parish, in the union of Penrith in Cumberland on the west bank of the river Eden. A Roman road passes from north to south, and another intersects the parish in a direction towards Salkeld Gate. At Castle Rigg are the ruins of a moated building. There are also several cairns in the area. 2

Early History of the Laysynbey family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Laysynbey research. Another 58 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1379, 1632 and 1701 are included under the topic Early Laysynbey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Laysynbey Spelling Variations

Until quite recently, the English language has lacked a definite system of spelling rules. Consequently, Anglo-Saxon surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. Changes in Anglo-Saxon names were influenced by the evolution of the English language, as it incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other languages. Although Medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, so it is common to find one person referred to by several different spellings of his surname, even the most literate people varied the spelling of their own names. Variations of the name Laysynbey include Lazenby, Lazinby, Lasynbi, Laysynby, Lasinby and many more.

Early Notables of the Laysynbey family

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

Migration of the Laysynbey family

Searching for a better life, many English families migrated to British colonies. Unfortunately, the majority of them traveled under extremely harsh conditions: overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the ocean. For those families that arrived safely, modest prosperity was attainable, and many went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the new colonies. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Laysynbey or a variant listed above: Thomas Lazenby, who arrived in Virginia in 1672; William Lazinby who arrived in Maryland in 1744; William Lazenby, a bonded passenger who came to America in 1772.



  1. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  2. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


Houseofnames.com on Facebook