| ![Show Contents]() Lassey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Etymology of LasseyWhat does the name Lassey mean? Ireland already had an established system of hereditary surnames when the Strongbownians arrived. Often the two traditions blended together quite well due to some of their basic similarities, but the incoming Anglo-Norman system brought in some forms that were uncommon amongst the Irish. One of these Anglo-Norman anomalies was the prevalence of local surnames, such as Lassey. Local names were taken from the names of a place or a geographical feature where the person lived, held land, or was born. Originally, the place names were prefixed by de, which means from in French. This type of prefix was eventually either made a part of the surname if the place name began with a vowel or was eliminated entirely. The local surnames of these Strongbownian invaders referred to places in Normandy, or more typically England, but eventually for those Anglo-Normans that remained in Ireland, the nicknames referred to places or geographical features of the island: they became true local names. The Lassey family appears to have originally lived in the settlement of Lassy in the region called Calvados in northern France. The name of this place is derived from the Gaulish personal name Lascius, which is of uncertain origin, and the local suffix -acum. The Gaelic form of the surname Lassey is de Léis. However, there is a native Irish family of County Wexford named Ó Laitheasa who anglicize their surname as Lassey. This name, which was originally Ó Flaithgheasa, is derived from the Gaelic word flaith, which means prince. 1 This was, in most cases, a nickname applied to someone with princely manners or a regal bearing. Early Origins of the Lassey familyThe surname Lassey was first found in County Limerick (Irish: Luimneach) located in Southwestern Ireland, in the province of Munster, where they had been granted lands by Strongbow after the invasion of Ireland in 1172. Early History of the Lassey familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lassey research. Another 107 words (8 lines of text) covering the year 1298 is included under the topic Early Lassey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Lassey Spelling VariationsMedieval scribes and church officials often spelled the name Lassey as it sounded to them. As a result, the name Lassey, over the ages, has attained many spelling variations including Lacey, Lacie, Lacy, de Lacy, Lasey, Lassey and many more. Early Notables of the Lassey familyNotable amongst the family up to this time was Hugo de Lacy of Limerick, as well as Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, who was recorded on the...
Another 27 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Lassey Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
| Lassey migration to the United States | + |
Ireland experienced a dramatic decrease in its population during the 19th century. This was in a great measure, a response to England's imperialistic policies. Hunger and disease took the lives of many Irish people and many more chose to leave their homeland to escape the horrific conditions. North America with its promise of work, freedom, and land was an extremely popular destination for Irish families. For those families that survived the journey, all three of these things were often attained through much hard work and perseverance. Research into early immigration and passenger lists revealed many immigrants bearing the name Lassey:
Lassey Settlers in United States in the 18th Century- William Lassey, who arrived in Boston in 1765
- William Lassey, who settled in Boston, Massachusetts in 1765
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: Meritas augentur honores
Motto Translation: Honours are enhanced by deserts.
- MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland. Ireland: Irish Academic Press, sixth edition, 1985. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2366-3)
 |
