Genealogy Wise

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There are a number of theories as to where the name originated and I suspect that there was far more than one origin.

 

The one that is clearly documented, is the family that moved from France to England when "William the Conqueror" invaded in 1066.  Starting with Anchetil de Gray - this family has filled many high-offices in the English establishment over the past thousand years.  I've yet to delve into his past - somthing I need to do.

 

I'd guess that Anchetil was not the only GRAY to come over from France at that time, or at any other time.

 

Other origins are deemed to be derived from locations - for example the town of GRAYE in the Calvados area of France where Anchetil may have come from. There are at least two other towns of that name in France, and one in Switzerland.

 

Yet other derivations could be via such as the colour of their hair - for example a :grey-haired person.

 

Yet more could be due to anglicising names from other parts of the world - e.g. eastern Europe.

 

It will be very interesting to see how these pan out.

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