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.
Clayman, Klee
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
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