Tuesday, January 27, 2009

What's behind the Name.....

I thought my family might want to know how their family name originated.

Alvey is English. Comes from the Anglo-Saxon name Elfwig meaning "elf battle". In the Middle Ages names were believed to influence a child's fate. Aelfwig indicated "military fortitude and liveliness". The surname is recorded in the 11th century in Suffold and Oxfordshire. After the 12th century, the surname may have been established in Ireland when the Anglo-Normans invaded. The Coat of Arms is a sable/black sheild (signifying constancy) and displaying a gold boar. The boar is a symbol of bravery anhd perseverance. The coat of arms is believed to be registered at Thetford in Norfolkshire although no date or entry of registration is available. It may be that the Alveys ended up on the wrong side with"their name being stricken from the records" ??

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