Abray History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Abray

What does the name Abray mean?

The name Abray first arose amongst the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is derived from their having lived in one of the places called Appery in the counties of Somerset, Gloucestershire, and Northumberland. This family may have also originated near the Appery Bridge, which was in the West Riding of Yorkshire.

Early Origins of the Abray family

The surname Abray was first found in Lincolnshire, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Abray family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Abray research. Another 240 words (17 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1500, 1623, 1688, 1748, 1786 and 1787 are included under the topic Early Abray History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Abray Spelling Variations

One relatively recent invention that did much to standardize English spelling was the printing press. However, before its invention even the most literate people recorded their names according to sound rather than spelling. The spelling variations under which the name Abray has appeared include Abrey, Abray, Abery, Abry, Abrahee, Abrahe and many more.

Early Notables of the Abray family

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

Migration of the Abray family

At this time, the shores of the New World beckoned many English families that felt that the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. Thousands left England at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. A great portion of these settlers never survived the journey and even a greater number arrived sick, starving, and without a penny. The survivors, however, were often greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. These English settlers made significant contributions to those colonies that would eventually become the United States and Canada. An examination of early immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Abray arrived in North America very early: John Abry, who sailed to Virginia in 1650. Henry Abery sailed to Virginia in 1671 and William Abery to New York in 1839.