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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


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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 1891 there were 49 Westray families living in Lancashire. This was about 36% of all the recorded Westray's in United Kingdom. Lancashire had the highest population of Westray families in 1891.
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.
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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.

Top Male Occupations In 1939

  • Colliery Hewer
    43%
  • General Labourer
    29%
  • Shop Asst (grocery)
    29%

Top Female Occupations In 1939

  • Unpaid Domestic Duties
    79%
  • Private Means
    5%
  • Unpd Domestic Duties
    4%
  • Household Duties
    4%

What Westray family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 4,000 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 UK census records for Westray

Passenger Lists

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

View all Westray immigration records

Draft Cards

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.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Westray

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Westray ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

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