Lovejay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Lovejay

What does the name Lovejay mean?

Lovejay is an ancient name dating from the times of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It was a name for a person who was a person who because of their personal qualities was referred to as Lovejoy. This nickname surname was originally derived from the Old English word lof and the Old French word joie when combined denoted those individuals who were loving and affectionate.

Early Origins of the Lovejay family

The surname Lovejay was first found in Kent where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Lovejay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lovejay research. Another 65 words (5 lines of text) covering the year 1207 is included under the topic Early Lovejay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Lovejay Spelling Variations

Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Lovejay include Lovejoy, Lovejay, Luvjoy and others.

Early Notables of the Lovejay family

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

Migration of the Lovejay family

Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Lovejay were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: Roger Lovejoy settled in Virginia in 1649; William Lovejoy settled in Virginia in 1729; John Lovejoy arrived in New Orleans in 1821; C. Lovejoy arrived in San Francisco in 1852. The family became a distinguished family of the U.S.A..