Horey

The surname Horey is of English origin and is derived from the Old English personal name Horuig, which means "hardy" or "brave." Alternatively, it may be derived from the Old English word horh, meaning "muddy," suggesting that the name may have been given to someone who lived near or worked in a muddy area.

Distribution and Frequency

The surname Horey is not particularly common in the United Kingdom, with the majority of individuals bearing this name located in the southern regions of England, especially in counties such as Devonshire, Cornwall, and Kent.

Historical Significance

The earliest documented record of the Horey surname dates back to the medieval period in England. Members of the Horey family were known to have been landowners, farmers, and craftsmen in various rural communities. Over time, some branches of the family may have migrated to different parts of the country, leading to variations in the spelling of the surname, such as Hore, Horie, or Hoare.

Notable Individuals

While the surname Horey may not be associated with prominent historical figures, it remains significant to those who bear it as a link to their ancestral heritage and family history. Many individuals with the surname Horey can trace their roots back to specific regions in England where their ancestors lived and worked.

References

  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (2008). A dictionary of English surnames. Oxford University Press.
  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford dictionary of family names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 97 people named Horey in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Horey.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Kaine
  • Kenneth
  • Mungo
  • Steven

Female

  • Bobbie
  • Deborah
  • Isabel
  • Judith

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