Lytes History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Lytes

What does the name Lytes mean?

The name Lytes is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is a product of when the family lived in a clearing or glade. The surname Lytes is derived from the Old English word leoht, which means light and is theorized to specifically mean light place in this case. The surname Lytes belongs to the class of topographic surnames, which were given to people who resided near physical features such as hills, streams, churches, or types of trees.

Early Origins of the Lytes family

The surname Lytes was first found in Somerset where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Lytes family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lytes research. Another 70 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1529, 1546, 1564, 1578, 1588 and 1607 are included under the topic Early Lytes History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Lytes Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Lytes has been spelled many different ways, including Light, Lyte, Lite and others.

Early Notables of the Lytes family

Another 50 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Lytes Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Lytes family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Lytess to arrive in North America: Elias Light settled in Virginia in 1637 along with Richard; George Light settled in Virginia in 1652 with Mary; William and John Light settled in Virginia in 1653..