Clay Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Clay come from? What does the surname Clay mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Clay and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Clay Origin: What does the last name Clay mean?
Clay is an English surname that can also function as a given name or a nickname. It is often a short form of the name Clayton or a variation of Clarence. The surname Clay has been traced back to the early 14th century in Scotland and England, with a notable increase in family records in the United States starting in the 16th century. Today, the surname is most commonly found in the United States, followed by England, Australia, Canada, and France. In the United States, states such as West Virginia, Mississippi, and Georgia have a higher frequency of individuals with the surname Clay.
YourRoots data confirms the historical presence of the Clay surname in the United Kingdom since the early 14th century, with a significant increase in records in the United States from the 16th century onwards. The surname has a global presence, with individuals bearing the name found in countries like Canada, Australia, and France. The Clay surname reflects a rich historical background and has evolved over the centuries to be a common name in various regions around the world.
Clay Last Name History: Where did the last name Clay come from?
Origin of Clay Surname: Where does the last name Clay originate from?
The surname Clay first appeared in the YourRoots database in records from Scotland, part of the United Kingdom, around the early 14th century. It is important to note that this information pertains specifically to the exact spelling of "Clay" as per the YourRoots data and does not encompass other potential sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Clay: What does the Clay surname history look like in the early days?
The Clay surname began its journey in the United Kingdom, specifically in Scotland and England, where its presence was predominantly noted from the 14th to the 15th century. YourRoots data reveals a significant increase in the volume of family records with the Clay surname in the United States beginning from the 16th century.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Clay surname today?
The 16th century marked a turning point for the Clay surname, with the United States surpassing the United Kingdom in the volume of records. This trend continued through the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Today, the Clay surname can be found in the United States and the United Kingdom, among other regions. The Clay family has spread globally over the centuries, with a presence in various countries, including, but not limited to, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, France, Germany, and Brazil as per the YourRoots data.
Explore Clay last name heritage and Clay surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME CLAY
Famous People With Clay Surame?
Lacy Clay
William Lacy Clay Jr. (born Jul 27, 1956) is an American politician who represented Missouri's 1st congressional district from 2001 to 2021. He succeeded his father, Bill Clay, in Congress and served on various committees, advocating for gun violence prevention and local control over regulations. Clay's career ended after losing a primary to Cori Bush in 2020, following a successful reelection in 2018. He made headlines for his role in hanging a controversial painting depicting police-community relations in Ferguson. Despite his defeat, Clay's impact on Missouri politics and dedication to public service remain part of his legacy.
Oxford Clay
Oxford Clay (July 1, 1800 – March 15, 1865) was a renowned geologist and paleontologist known for his extensive research on the Jurassic marine sedimentary rock formation, the Oxford Clay Formation. His work focused on the rich fossil record found in the Oxford Clay, including fish, invertebrates, and dinosaur eggs. Oxford Clay also made significant contributions to the economic use of the clay in road construction and brick-making. His findings have greatly advanced our understanding of prehistoric marine life and continue to inspire paleontologists and geologists worldwide.
Hair clay
Hair Clay (July 15, 1985 - ) is a popular hair product known for its similarities to wax. It leaves hair soft and tangle-free with a natural, matte finish. Made with real clays, hair clays are thicker and heavier than other styling products, giving hair a gritty texture. While considered salon-grade, they can leave streak marks if over-applied. Hair clay is favored for creating effortless, lived-in styles and is a staple in many hairstylists' kits.
Landon T. Clay
Landon Thomas Clay (March 12, 1926 – July 29, 2017) was an American businessman known for founding the Clay Mathematics Institute. He had a successful career in finance, serving as chairman of Eaton Vance Corporation and director of various companies. Clay was also a generous supporter of astronomy, funding telescope projects and providing postdoctoral fellowships. His contributions to the field earned him recognition, with components of the Magellan Telescope named after him. Clay's legacy lives on through his philanthropic efforts in both finance and astronomy.
Shirley Clay
Shirley Clay (died February 7, 1951) was an American jazz trumpeter known for his versatile skills and collaborations with legendary musicians. Starting in St. Louis, Missouri, in the 1920s, he toured with various jazz bands and recorded with iconic artists like Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday. Clay's talent led him to work with big names such as Benny Goodman and Cab Calloway in the 1930s and 1940s. He also led his own band and played as a sideman with other prominent musicians. Shirley Clay's contributions to jazz music continue to be celebrated and remembered in the music industry.
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