What does Membrey mean
Hi Everyone
Just wondering if any one knows the origin and or meaning of the surname Membrey. It is my mothers maiden name.
Thanks Shae
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Like Membree and Membrye from Membury, which is a place in Devon, between Exeter and Southampton, but more to Exeter. The bury-part means "borough". But Membrey might also be French, though i don't know its meaning. Jtosti.com doesn't list it.
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Dauzat's "Dictionnaire..." lists a surname, Membre (with acute accent on final E), which he reckons means "big-limbed", Modern French, membru. I think the English place name is a safer bet.
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There is also a French village called Membrey in the Franche Comte (between Dijon and Belfort. I guess the family originally came from France, though I am not sure when. I am currently doing some research into my genealogy so if you have any clues do get in touch. (genealogy@membrey.net)
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