SAY
Say
Say is a moderately common surname of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "saege," meaning willow tree, and may have been used as a nickname for someone who lived near a willow tree or had some other connection to the plant.
The surname Say is mostly found in the southern regions of England, particularly in counties such as Essex, Kent, and Sussex. The first recorded instance of the surname dates back to the 13th century, making it an ancient and established family name in British history.
Over the centuries, various branches of the Say family have held positions of influence and prominence in British society. Notable individuals bearing the surname include Sir John Say, a 15th-century English courtier and speaker of the House of Commons, and Frederick William Say, a prominent 19th-century English entomologist.
Today, the surname Say continues to be borne by families across the United Kingdom and in other parts of the world where British emigrants settled. It remains a reminder of England's rich historical and cultural heritage.
There are approximately 845 people named Say in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,434th most common surname in Britain. Around 13 in a million people in Britain are named Say.
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
- Anthony
- Christopher
- Darren
- David
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Ann
- Caroline
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jacqueline
- Joanne
- Julia
- Louise
- Mary
- Patricia
- Shirley
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.