The intriguing tale of the Blyth name begins with a Strathclyde-Briton family nestled in the ancient Scottish/English Borderlands. Your family name, Blyth, is a testament to the cheerful and joyful spirits of its bearers, originating from the Old English word ‘blithe’.

Alternatively, the roots of this name can be traced to Blyth in Northumberland or the West Riding of Yorkshire. Both places derive their names from the Old English ‘blithe,’ signifying ‘the gentle or pleasant one’. The Yorkshire parish, which once resided in Nottinghamshire, holds the distinction of being the oldest, dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086 when it was recorded as ‘Blide’.

In another historical thread, we find mentions of religious and charitable establishments associated with your family’s name. In 1088, a priory was founded in honor of the Blessed Virgin by Roger de Builly and his wife Muriel, housing monks of the Benedictine order. This priory, although considered an alien priory with some subordination to the abbey of the Holy Trinity near Rouen in Normandy, survived the suppression of such priories and thrived until the general dissolution. At that time, its revenue was estimated at £126.8.2. Additionally, an hospital for lepers, dedicated to St. John the Evangelist, was established by Hugh de Cressy, lord of Hodsock, during the reign of John.

The earliest roots of the Blyth family can be found in Berwickshire, an ancient Scottish county that now forms part of the Scottish Borders Council Area. Blyth was once an old barony in the lordship of Lauderdale. The historical record introduces us to William de Blyth of Chirnesyde in Berwickshire, who stood as a representative of the family and paid homage to King Edward I of England during his brief conquest of Scotland in 1296.

Moving forward, the seal of Adam de Blyth adorned an account of goods purchased at Perth in 1302. Notably, James Blyth held the position of burgess of Dundy (Dundee) in 1485.

Venturing south to England, we find the intriguing history of Blythe, Lancashire. Originally held by Geoffrey Travers, the son Henry, was referred to as “de Blythe.” Henry de Blythe’s descendants included John and Robert de Blythe, whose names appeared among the subscribers to the stipend of a chaplain at Ormskirk in 1366. The Poll Tax Roll of 1381 also listed Robert de Blythe. John de Blythe was a witness to Scarisbrick charters in 1399 and 1401, with Roger Blythe, his descendant, facing charges in 1397 for breaking into the parsonage house at Crossens. This lineage eventually led to Roger Blythe, whose daughter and heir Margaret, through her marriage to John Blakelache (or Blackledge), passed the estate to this family.

In other historical records, we find mentions of William de Blithe in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 in Oxfordshire and Willelmus de Blythe in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379.

Your family name, Blyth, carries with it a rich tapestry of history, reflecting joy and resilience. It’s a legacy to be cherished and shared with pride, a reminder of the enduring spirit of your ancestors.