Lovelay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Lovelay

What does the name Lovelay mean?

The name Lovelay is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was name for a dandy, "a wearer of pendant locks of hair falling over the ears and cut in a variety of fashions. They were common in the 16th century and apparently much earlier." 1 "Lovelocks were 'pendent locks of hair, falling near or over the ears, and cut in a variety of fashions.' " 2

Early Origins of the Lovelay family

The surname Lovelay was first found in Suffolk where they held a family seat. Igod Luveloc held a family seat in Suffolk as listed in the Subsidy Rolls for 1283. Later in Essex, we found William Louelok in the Subsidy Rolls of 1327. 1

Early History of the Lovelay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lovelay research. Another 69 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1327, 1594, 1611, 1625 and 1770 are included under the topic Early Lovelay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Lovelay 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 Lovelay have been found, including Lovelock, Luvelock, Luvelok, Luveloc, Loveluck and many more.

Early Notables of the Lovelay family

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

Migration of the Lovelay 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 powerful new nations. Among early immigrants of the Lovelay surname to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were: William Lovelock, who sailed to Barbados in 1662; John Lovelock, who was granted land in Virginia in 1672; Elizabeth Lovelock, who settled in Maryland in 1683.

Sources +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.