Londray History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Etymology of Londray

What does the name Londray mean?

The name Londray is rooted in the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It was originally a name for someone who worked as 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 Londray family

The surname Londray 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 Londray family

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

Londray Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Londray are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Londray include Landry, Landray, Landrey, Laundry and others.

Early Notables of the Londray family

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

Migration of the Londray family to Ireland

Some of the Londray 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 Londray family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Londray or a variant listed above: 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.