KAY
Kay
Origin and Meaning
Kay is a surname of British origin that has Anglo-Saxon and Old Norse roots. It is derived from the Old Norse word ka, meaning "key" or "wharf". In some cases, it may also be a locational surname referring to someone who lived near a quay or key.
Historical Significance
The surname Kay has a long history in England and Scotland. It is believed to have originated in the Northern regions and spread throughout the British Isles over time. The name has been recorded in various forms such as Kay, Kayes, Kayse, and Key. It was commonly found in Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Scotland.
Notable Individuals
- John Kay (1704-1780): A successful English inventor of the flying shuttle, a key development in the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution.
- Katie Kay (1985- ): A contemporary British artist known for her vibrant and expressive paintings that capture urban landscapes.
Modern Distribution
Today, the surname Kay is still prevalent in the United Kingdom, especially in Northern England and Scotland. It has also spread to other English-speaking countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Variants
Variants of the Kay surname include Kaye, Keay, and Keyes.
There are approximately 24,723 people named Kay in the UK. That makes it the 331st most common surname in Britain. Around 380 in a million people in Britain are named Kay.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
- William
Female
- Alison
- Angela
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.