As described in historical dictionaries

Patronymica Britannica (1860)

CALVARY. \Iany monastic establishments had within their ambit an elevated mound representing the supposed 'mount' Calvary, the scene of our Lord's Passion. A spiral path leading to its summit was called " the way of the cross," (ria crucis,') and hither on Good Fridays a large crucifix was borne in procession by the monks, and fixed upon the summit. A fine example of a calcary exists at Lewes Priory. The surname was probably derived from residence near such a spot.

Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.


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