Show ContentsLyvedaye History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Lyvedaye is one of the many names that the Normans brought with them when they conquered England in 1066. The name Lyvedaye came from the Old English given name Loveday and the Old English given name Leofdoeg, which is composed of the elements leof, which means dear or beloved, and doeg, which means day. This name was also a nickname for a person who had an association with a loveday which, according to medieval custom, a loveday was a day set aside for reconciliation and settlement of disputes or feuds. Another source claims the name was in fact, Norman "from Loveday, or Loudet [in] Toulouse. William Loveday was a benefactor to the Knights Templars. " 1

Early Origins of the Lyvedaye family

The surname Lyvedaye was first found in Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire where Walter Loveday and Richard Loveday were listed in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273. In 1297, William Loveday, of Oxfordshire received a writ of military summons. 1

Years later, Ralph Loveday was listed in the Writs of Parliament of 1331 and Hugo Lofdey was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379. 2

Early History of the Lyvedaye family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lyvedaye research. Another 70 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1513, 1546, 1547, 1553, 1554, 1555, 1556 and 1558 are included under the topic Early Lyvedaye History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Lyvedaye Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Lyvedaye has been recorded under many different variations, including Loveday, Loveden, Lovedon and others.

Early Notables of the Lyvedaye family

Another 29 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Lyvedaye Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Lyvedaye family

To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Lyvedayes were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: Thomas Loveday, who settled in Barbados in 1686; Francis Loveday settled in Virginia in 1653; Joseph Loveday settled in New England in 1772; Mary Loveday settled in Maryland in 1772..



The Lyvedaye Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Cum prima luce
Motto Translation: When the first


  1. The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
  2. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)


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