| ![Show Contents]() Sterray History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Etymology of SterrayWhat does the name Sterray mean? The name Sterray is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was name for a person whose personality or appearance called to mind a star. Sterray is a nickname, which belongs to the category of hereditary surnames. Nicknames form a broad and miscellaneous class of surnames, and can refer directly or indirectly to one's personality, physical attributes, mannerisms, or even their habits of dress. The surname Sterray comes from the Old English words sterre, or starre, which mean star, and would have been given to someone with a bright personality. This word was also used to refer to a white patch of hair on the forehead of a horse, an so, it may have been transferred to refer to someone with a streak of white hair. Early Origins of the Sterray familyThe surname Sterray was first found in Wiltshire where they held a family seat from ancient times in the village of Longbridge Deverill at Glastonbury. It is said that King Alfred, King of the west Saxons, camped the night in the Deverill valley before defeating the Danes at the Battle of Ethandune in 878. By the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, Leuenot Sterre held lands in Derbyshire. 1 Later in Norfolk, we found Simon Sterre in the Pipe Rolls of 1130 and later again, William Sturre, Sterre was listed in the Assize Rolls for Gloucestershire in 1221. 2 Early History of the Sterray familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sterray research. Another 53 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1629, 1633, 1637 and 1672 are included under the topic Early Sterray History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Sterray Spelling VariationsSpelling 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 Sterray have been found, including Starr, Star, Starre, Ster, Sterr, Starmer and others. Early Notables of the Sterray familyAnother 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Sterray Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Sterray family to IrelandSome of the Sterray family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Sterray familyFamilies 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 Sterray surname to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were: the Starr family who settled in Halifax N.S. where they became a powerful influence in the Canadian cultural and political scene. Comfort and Mary Starr settled in Massachusetts in 1634.
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: Vive en espoir
Motto Translation: Live in hope
- Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
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