Pye

Pye is an Anglo-Saxon surname of English origin. The name Pye is derived from the Old English word "pi," meaning magpie, and likely originally referred to someone with a fancied resemblance to the noisy bird.

Origins:

The surname Pye is documented in England as far back as the 13th century, with early records showing variations such as Pie and Pio. It is believed to be a descriptive surname given to someone who displayed characteristics associated with the magpie.

Distribution:

The surname Pye is primarily found in the United Kingdom, particularly in regions with a strong historical connection to Anglo-Saxon settlements. While the name is less common today, it is still present across England.

Notable Individuals:

  • William Henry Pye (1820–1896): A British sculptor known for his works in marble and terracotta.
  • David Pye (1914–1993): A British furniture designer and industrial design theorist renowned for his book "The Nature and Art of Workmanship."

Variants:

Variants of the Pye surname include Pie and Pio. Over time, the spelling of the name may have evolved due to factors such as regional accents, dialects, and clerical errors.

References:

  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames.
  • Smith, E. G. (1970). American Surnames.

The surname Pye, with its origins rooted in Old English, holds a place in the annals of British genealogy and history. Its bearers have left their mark in various fields, contributing to the diverse tapestry of British identity.

There are approximately 7,988 people named Pye in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,182nd most common surname in Britain. Around 123 in a million people in Britain are named Pye.

Surname type: Nickname

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
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Christine
  • Deborah
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Laura
  • Lesley
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • 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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