Moy

Origin: Moy is a surname of Gaelic origin, with roots in Scotland and Ireland. The name is derived from the Gaelic term 'Maol', meaning 'bald' or 'tonsured', which was often used as a nickname for a person with a shaved head.

Regional Distribution: The Moy surname is most commonly found in Scotland and Ireland, with notable concentrations in areas such as County Mayo in Ireland and the Scottish Highlands.

Historical Significance: The Moy surname has a rich history, with individuals bearing this name playing significant roles in various aspects of British and Irish society. From military leaders to prominent clergy members, the Moy name has been associated with diverse achievements over the centuries.

Notable Individuals:

  • William Moy (1790-1855): A renowned Scottish poet who contributed significantly to the Romantic literary movement.
  • Margaret Moy (1923-2009): An Irish humanitarian worker who dedicated her life to improving the welfare of impoverished communities in Dublin.

Modern Day: In contemporary times, the Moy surname continues to be passed down through generations, connecting individuals to their ancestral heritage. Some bearers of the Moy name have excelled in fields such as business, academia, and the arts, contributing to the ongoing legacy of the Moy family name.

There are approximately 1,639 people named Moy in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,973rd most common surname in Britain. Around 25 in a million people in Britain are named Moy.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

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
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Philip
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Amanda
  • Anne
  • Carol
  • Elizabeth
  • Jennifer
  • Jill
  • Julie
  • Kathleen
  • Michelle
  • Samantha
  • Sarah

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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