KAYE

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Kaye

Kaye is a surname of English origin, with variants such as Kay and Key. The name is derived from the Middle English word "kaye" or "keye", which means "wharf" or "quay", indicating a possible occupational origin for individuals who worked near or owned such structures.

The Kaye surname has been prominent in British history, with notable bearers such as Sir John Kaye, an English Member of Parliament during the 14th century, and Sir Cecil Kaye, a distinguished British colonial administrator in India during the 19th century.

Throughout the centuries, the Kaye family name has spread beyond the British Isles, with individuals bearing the surname establishing themselves in various corners of the world including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Today, the surname Kaye continues to be borne by individuals across the globe, carrying forth a rich history of English heritage and contributing to diverse fields such as academia, the arts, business, and beyond.

There are approximately 9,011 people named Kaye in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,050th most common surname in Britain. Around 138 in a million people in Britain are named Kaye.

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

Andrew
David
James
John
Michael
Paul
Peter
Richard
Simon
Stephen

Female

Alison
Deborah
Elizabeth
Emma
Helen
Jacqueline
Jane
Julie
Linda
Lisa
Margaret
Mary
Sarah
Susan

Similar and related surnames

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