Westray Family History

Westray Surname Meaning

English (Cumberland and Lancashire): habitational name from Westray in Embleton (Cumberland). The placename probably derives from Old Norse vestr ‘west western’.

Its etymology suggests a geographical significance, indicating a location that is situated to the west.

Furthermore, the second element, vrá, means ‘nook’ or ‘corner of land’, which adds to the understanding of the place's topography.

The combination of these elements paints a picture of a secluded or sheltered area in the western part of the region.

Overall, Westray serves as an example of how language and geography intertwine in the formation of place names.

Source: Dictionary of American Family Names 2nd edition, 2022

Similar surnames: Westry, Stray, Esarey, Estay, Westrup, Westley, Westby, Estey, Wray, Esty

8K	Birth, Marriage, and Deaths
588	Military Records
724	Immigration Records
4K	Census and Voter Lists
11K	Member Trees

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Where is the Westray family from?

You can see how Westray families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Westray family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1840 and 1920. The most Westray families were found in United Kingdom in 1891. In 1911 there was 1 Westray family living in Manitoba. This was 100% of all the recorded Westray's in Canada. Manitoba had the highest population of Westray families in 1911.

Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Westray surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.

View Census Data for Westray

What did your Westray ancestors do for a living?

In 1939, Colliery hewer and Unpaid domestic duties were the top reported jobs for men and women in the United Kingdom named Westray. 43% of Westray men worked as a Colliery hewer and 79% of Westray women worked as an Unpaid domestic duties. Some less common occupations for Americans named Westray were shop asst (grocery) and Household duties.

View Census Data for Westray

Data not to scale

We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

Colliery hewer

43%

General labourer

29%

shop asst (grocery)

29%

Unpaid domestic duties

79%

Private means

Unpd domestic duties

Household duties

What Westray family records will you find?

Census Record

There are 4K census records available for the last name Westray. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Westray census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search Canadian census records for Westray

Passenger List

There are 724 immigration records available for the last name Westray. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in Canada, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Westray immigration records

Military Records

There are 588 military records available for the last name Westray. For the veterans among your Westray ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Westray military records

You've only scratched the surface of Westray family history

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What is the average Westray lifespan?

Between 1957 and 2003, in the United States, Westray life expectancy was at its lowest point in 2001, and highest in 1981. The average life expectancy for Westray in 1957 was 58, and 72 in 2003.

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Westray family tree

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Westray Surname Meaning

English (Cumberland and Lancashire): habitational name from Westray in Embleton (Cumberland). The placename probably derives from Old Norse vestr ‘west western’.

Its etymology suggests a geographical significance, indicating a location that is situated to the west.

Furthermore, the second element, vrá, means ‘nook’ or ‘corner of land’, which adds to the understanding of the place's topography.

The combination of these elements paints a picture of a secluded or sheltered area in the western part of the region.

Overall, Westray serves as an example of how language and geography intertwine in the formation of place names.

Source: Dictionary of American Family Names 2nd edition, 2022

Where is the Westray family from?

What did your Westray ancestors do for a living?

Data not to scale

We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

Colliery hewer

43%

General labourer

29%

shop asst (grocery)

29%

Unpaid domestic duties

79%

Private means

Unpd domestic duties

Household duties

What Westray family records will you find?

What is the average Westray lifespan?

Between 1957 and 2003, in the United States, Westray life expectancy was at its lowest point in 2001, and highest in 1981. The average life expectancy for Westray in 1957 was 58, and 72 in 2003.

Westray Family History

Westray Surname Meaning

24,000 record(s) for Westray

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Where is the Westray family from?

What did your Westray ancestors do for a living?

Top Male Occupations In 1939

Top Female Occupations In 1939

What Westray family records will you find?

Census Record

Passenger List

Military Records

You've only scratched the surface of Westray family history

What is the average Westray lifespan?

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Westray family tree

Search for another surname

Westray Surname Meaning

24,000 record(s) for Westray

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Where is the Westray family from?

What did your Westray ancestors do for a living?

Top Male Occupations In 1939

Top Female Occupations In 1939

What Westray family records will you find?

Census Record

Passenger List

Military Records

You've only scratched the surface of Westray family history

What is the average Westray lifespan?

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Westray family tree

Search for another surname