Welcome to the Grindlay Single Name Study Project.  The aim of this project is to collate and document the application of the name Grindlay and subsequent variants throughout the world.  To date this site provides access to a comprehensive global database; surname origins; coat of arms and a research forum.  The database is compiled from primary and secondary sources and is an on-going project maintained and co-ordinated by the volunteer Project Administrator (submissions are welcome).  The forum was established to further the study of the name and to provide a contact point for associated family research.  The forum is open to view by members of the public and posting is permitted following free registration.

Origin: Anglo-Saxon; the surname Grindlay comes from the Old English word 'grene', a section of village land that was open to free grazing.  The term was also applied to the young denoting youth and vigour.

Coat of Arms: A blue shield with a gold cross between four gold arrow heads.  Blue denotes truth and loyalty; gold implies generosity and a superior intellect; arrows speak of a readiness for battle; while a gold cross signifies faith.

Crest: a peahen (peacock) for Grindlay or a red buffalo head for Grindley

Motto: Non Degener

Motto Translated: Literally the motto reads 'Not Degenerate'.  Degener is derived from the Latin term degenero which infers disgrace by degeneracy.  Thus non degener indicates that a Grindlay is honourable, moral and true to his or her own kind.  Grindlays are not corrupted by vice or decadence and as such do not fall from grace.