Eyre is a surname with legendary origin from the Norman conquest of England. Origin The legend of the person who was the founder of the Eyre and Ayre families, and who was supposedly previously known by the surname "Truelove" (or "True Love"), is a story that appears in genealogies. However, there is no definitive historical evidence confirming the existence of this person. After the battle William told him "thou shalt hereafter instead of Truelove be called Eyre because thou hast given me the air I breathe." Truelove the "Eyr" or "Heyr" was granted land in Derby as a reward for his services, together with a Coat of Arms featuring "a human leg in Armour couped at the thigh quarterly argent and sable spurred", in reference to the sacrifice of his limb. Some of these features may persist in one of the current Eyre coats of arms, which features three gold quatrefoils on a black chevron with a white background. Another variation of the story of the origin of the Eyre crest is that Humphrey le Heyr of Bromham rescued Richard Coeur de Lion at the siege of Ascalon, at the cost of his leg, and that the leg couped was granted to him in remembrance of the occasion. List Notable people with the surname include: Agnes Gardner Eyre (1881–1950), American pianist and composer Alan Eyre (1930 – 2020), British-born Jamaican geographer Alan Eyre (diplomat), Persian-language spokesperson of the United States Department of State Anthony Eyre (Boroughbridge MP) (1727–88) Anthony Eyre (Nottinghamshire MP) (1634–71) Charles Eyre (disambiguation), several people Chris Eyre, film director and producer Damian Eyre, Australian police officer murdered in 1988 Damian Eyre (cricketer), British cricketer Edward John Eyre, Australian explorer and Jamaican Governor Ella Eyre, British singer-songwriter George Eyre (d. 1839), Royal Navy officer Giles Eyre (disambiguation), several people Henry Eyre (barrister) (1628–1678), British politician and lawyer Henry Eyre (British Army officer) (1834–1904), British Army officer and politician Isaac Eyre (1875–1947), English footballer Ivan Eyre, Canadian artist James Eyre (disambiguation), several people Jehu Eyre, figure of the American Revolution Jim Eyre (caver) (1925–2008), British caver Jim Eyre (architect), British architect and winner of the Bodley Medal John Eyre (disambiguation), several people Kingsmill Eyre (1682–1743), English garden designer and inventor Les Eyre, former Norwich City F.C. footballer Manuel Eyre, figure of the American Revolution and powerful business leader in the early American Republic Mary Eyre (1923–2013), British sportswoman and