Airey

Origin and Meaning The surname Airey is of Old English origin, deriving from the Old English personal name "Eoforheard" which means "brave as a wild boar". Over time, the name Eoforheard evolved into Airey as a surname.

Distribution The Airey surname can be found predominantly in the northern counties of England, particularly in Cumbria. It is also present in other parts of the United Kingdom and has spread to other English-speaking countries.

Notable Bearers

  • Sir Richard Airey: An eminent British military figure who served as Quartermaster-General to the Forces during the Crimean War in the 19th century.
  • Jennifer Airey: A scholar specialising in English Renaissance Literature, known for her contributions to academia.
  • Mark Airey: A contemporary artist known for his innovative sculptural installations.

Variants Variants of the Airey surname include Aire, Airy, Eary, and Eirey. These variations reflect the evolution of the name over time and in different regions.

Coat of Arms The Airey family has a distinctive coat of arms which features symbols of strength, loyalty and courage. The shield is emblazoned with symbols reflecting the family's heritage and values.

The Airey surname carries with it a rich history and a legacy of individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. Its origins in Old English highlight its connection to the cultural tapestry of Britain and its enduring presence in society.

There are approximately 3,626 people named Airey in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,540th most common surname in Britain. Around 56 in a million people in Britain are named Airey.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Catherine
  • Dawn
  • Doris
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Jane
  • Jm
  • Joanne
  • Karen
  • Louise
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Michelle
  • Nutan
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.