COY
Coy
Coy is a surname of British origin, with its roots tracing back to medieval times. The name is derived from the Old French word "coy", meaning quiet or shy. It is thought to have been used as a nickname for someone displaying characteristics of shyness or reserve. Variants of the surname include Coie, Coye, and Coys.
Distribution
The surname Coy is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in regions such as Yorkshire and Lancashire. There are also notable concentrations of individuals bearing the name in North America, owing to historical migrations.
Notable Bearers
- Peter Coy (b. 1950) - British author and historian known for his works on medieval English literature.
- Lucy Coy (b. 1975) - English actress recognised for her performances in West End theatre productions.
Coat of Arms
The Coy family has a distinctive coat of arms featuring elements such as a shield divided into four parts, each with different symbolic representations. The crest usually includes animals like lions or eagles, which are common in heraldic designs.
Historically, the surname Coy has been associated with individuals who possess traits of quietness, contemplation, or reserve. However, modern bearers of the name come from diverse backgrounds and may exhibit a wide range of characteristics and talents.
While the exact origins of the surname Coy may be somewhat obscure, its presence in British and global records attests to its enduring legacy as a part of the rich tapestry of British surnames.
There are approximately 1,712 people named Coy in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,794th most common surname in Britain. Around 26 in a million people in Britain are named Coy.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Ireland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- John
- Jonathan
- Matthew
- Michael
- Peter
- Richard
- Stephen
Female
- Barbara
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Janet
- Jennifer
- Joan
- Joanne
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Coye
- Coya
- Coey
- Coyne
- Coi
- Coyn
- Coym
- Coyd
- Co
- Coa
- Caey
- Cay
- Caya
- Caye
- Cooey
- Couey
- Cowy
- Coyde
- Coyoh
- Coys
- Coyse
- Coyte
- Coyue
- Cuya
- Gay
- Gaya
- Gayao
- Gaye
- Gayi
- Gayo
- Gayya
- Ghaye
- Ghey
- Ghiya
- Goay
- Gouwy
- Goy
- Goya
- Goyea
- Guay
- Guey
- Gueye
- Guy
- Guya
- Guye
- Guyo
- Gwy
- Kaaya
- Kahya
- Kay
- Kaya
- Kaye
- Kayee
- Kayia
- Kayo
- Keay
- Keey
- Key
- Keya
- Keye
- Khoy
- Kieya
- Kiy
- Kiya
- Koay
- Kohya
- Kooy
- Koy
- Koya
- Koye
- Koyi
- Kuy
- Kuya
- Kuye
- Kuyo
- Kye
- Kyei
- Kyi
- Kyu
- Quay
- Quaye
- Queay
- Quey
- Quy
- Quye
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.