Daye

Overview

Daye is a British surname with Old English origins, derived from the word "dæg," meaning "day." It is classified as a topographic name, indicating a person who lived "at the daw" (daybreak) or who was associated with the passing of days.

Origins

The surname Daye can be traced back to medieval England, where it was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, the name has evolved in different regions and branches of the family, becoming established across the country.

Distribution

The surname Daye is most commonly found in southern England and the West Country, with notable concentrations in counties such as Devon, Somerset, and Hampshire. However, Daye families have also spread to other parts of the UK and beyond, carrying on the name's legacy.

Famous Individuals

Several notable individuals have borne the surname Daye throughout history, contributing to various fields of endeavour. These include:

  1. Stephen Daye: An early English settler in America, who established the first printing press in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1639.

  2. Francis Day: A prominent British ichthyologist and naturalist known for his work on Indian fishes during the 19th century.

  3. Harry Daye: A celebrated British artist whose landscape paintings captured the essence of the English countryside.

Modern Influence

In contemporary times, the surname Daye continues to be passed down through generations and is upheld by diverse families worldwide. Some individuals with the name have achieved recognition in areas such as business, academia, and the arts, further enriching the legacy of the Daye name.

There are approximately 420 people named Daye in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around six in a million people in Britain are named Daye.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • Colin
  • Derek
  • Ian
  • Jason
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Andrea
  • Christine
  • Claire
  • Emma
  • Jacqueline
  • Janet
  • Jennifer
  • Kelly
  • Lauren
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

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

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