Marsay

Marsay is a British surname of English origin that is derived from the Old English personal name "Mær", meaning "fame", combined with the suffix "-sige" which translates to "victory". The name historically denoted someone who was famous and victorious, and as a surname, it was used to denote the descendants of individuals with these qualities.

The earliest recorded instances of the surname Marsay date back to the medieval period in England. Over time, the surname has evolved in spelling and pronunciation, with variations such as Marcy, Marsey, Marsee, among others. The distribution of the name has been primarily concentrated in Yorkshire and the surrounding regions in Northern England.

Individuals bearing the surname Marsay have been associated with various professions and social standings throughout history. The name is often found in historical records, including census documents, parish registers, and other genealogical sources, offering insight into family lineages and connections.

The surname Marsay continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining a link to English heritage and ancestral roots. It remains a distinctive and relatively uncommon name, contributing to the diversity of British surnames and family histories.

There are approximately 511 people named Marsay in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around eight in a million people in Britain are named Marsay.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • John
  • Mark
  • Maurice
  • Michael
  • Neil
  • Nicholas
  • Paul
  • Philip
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • Steven

Female

  • Claire
  • Helen
  • Jennifer
  • Joan
  • Karen
  • Kathryn
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • 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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