Westray Surname

Introduction

The surname Westray, although not as common as some other surnames, has a rich history and interesting distribution across the globe. In this article, we will explore the origins of the surname Westray, its meaning, and the various countries where it can be found.

Origins and Meaning

The surname Westray is of English origin and is derived from the Old English words "west" meaning west and "raeg" meaning roe deer. Therefore, the literal meaning of the surname Westray is "west roe deer." This suggests that the original bearers of the surname may have lived near a place where roe deer were common in the western part of England.

Early Records

Early records of the surname Westray date back to the 13th century in England. The name was first recorded in the Hundred Rolls of 1273, where a Robert de Westrea was listed as a landowner in Buckinghamshire. Over the centuries, the surname spread to other parts of England and eventually to other countries around the world.

Variant Spellings

Like many surnames, Westray has variant spellings that have evolved over time. Some of the common variant spellings of the surname include Westraye, Westrae, and Westre. These variations may have resulted from clerical errors, regional dialects, or other factors.

Distribution

The surname Westray is most commonly found in the United States, where it has an incidence of 536. This is followed by England with an incidence of 243, South Africa with 77, and Zimbabwe with 24. Other countries where the surname Westray can be found include Australia, Scotland, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates, among others.

United States

In the United States, the surname Westray is most commonly found in states such as California, Texas, and New York. The surname may have been brought to the United States by early settlers from England or other countries where the surname was prevalent.

England

In England, the surname Westray is concentrated in regions such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and London. The surname has been present in England for centuries and has likely spread to other parts of the country through migration and other means.

South Africa

The surname Westray is found in South Africa, particularly in cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town. The presence of the surname in South Africa may be due to British colonial influence and the migration of individuals from England to the country.

Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, the surname Westray is less common compared to other countries but can still be found in cities such as Harare. The surname may have been brought to Zimbabwe through British colonization and the movement of people between England and Zimbabwe.

Notable Bearers

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the surname Westray. One such individual is John Westray, a British naval officer who served during the Napoleonic Wars. Another notable bearer is Sarah Westray, an American author known for her works on gender equality and social justice.

John Westray

John Westray was born in England in 1765 and joined the Royal Navy at a young age. He rose through the ranks and eventually became a captain during the Napoleonic Wars. Westray was known for his tactical skills and bravery in battle, earning him the respect of his fellow officers and crewmates.

Sarah Westray

Sarah Westray was born in the United States in 1948 and became a prominent advocate for gender equality and social justice. She published several books on the subject and was instrumental in the fight for women's rights in the 20th century. Westray's work continues to inspire individuals around the world to this day.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname Westray has a fascinating history and is found in various countries around the world. From its origins in England to its spread to the United States, South Africa, and beyond, the surname Westray has left a lasting impact on the world. Whether through notable bearers or its distribution across different regions, the surname Westray continues to be a part of our global heritage.

The surname Westray within the world

Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it is possible to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Exactly the same occurs when it comes to Westray, which as you're able to corroborate, it may be stated that it's a surname which can be present in a lot of the nations for the world. In the same way there are countries by which truly the density of men and women aided by the surname Westray is greater than far away.

The map for the Westray surname

1. United States (536)
2. England (243)
3. South Africa (77)
4. Zimbabwe (24)
5. Australia (16)
6. Scotland (3)
7. Sweden (2)
8. United Arab Emirates (1)
9. Canada (1)
10. Switzerland (1)
11. Ghana (1)
12. Kuwait (1)
13. Kazakhstan (1)
14. Lesotho (1)
15. Malaysia (1)
16. Nigeria (1)
17. New Zealand (1)
18. Philippines (1)
19. Thailand (1)