Conway Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Conway come from? What does the surname Conway mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Conway and family migration on YourRoots Map.
McNamee, Conaway, Connaway
Surname Conway Origin: What does the last name Conway mean?
The surname Conway has roots in Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, with variations like Conwy, Mac Connmhaigh, and Coneway. In Ireland, it can be seen as McConway, translating to "Son of yellow head/hound" or "Head-smasher/head-breaker," reflecting the historical role of Conways as footsoldiers with war dogs and warhammers. The YourRoots database traces the appearance of the Conway surname to England in the early 15th century, with a notable presence in the United Kingdom and the United States in the following centuries.
YourRoots data highlights the global spread of the Conway surname from the 16th to the 17th centuries, with significant concentrations in the United States and the United Kingdom. Today, the Conway surname is most commonly found in the United States, reflecting its strong presence in the country over the past few centuries. Despite this, Conway remains well represented in various countries worldwide, showcasing the diverse heritage and widespread nature of this surname.
Conway Last Name History: Where did the last name Conway come from?
Origin of Conway Surname: Where does the last name Conway originate from?
The surname Conway first appears in the YourRoots database in records from England around the early 15th century. This data pertains specifically to the exact spelling "Conway" and may not represent all variations of the surname across different data sources.
History of the Last Name Conway: What does the Conway surname history look like in the early days?
The “Conway” surname was closely associated with the United Kingdom, particularly England and Wales, from the 15th to the 16th century. Over time, the volume of Conway family records increased significantly in the United States. According to YourRoots database, the Conway surname started to spread globally during the 16th and 17th centuries, with a notable presence in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Conway surname today?
Starting from the 17th century, the volume of records for the Conway surname grew notably in the United States, surpassing its frequency in the United Kingdom. This trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries, making the United States the country with the highest frequency of the Conway surname today. Despite this, the Conway surname remains well represented in several countries worldwide. These include the United Kingdom and many other countries, though the exact rankings and proportions vary over time.
Explore Conway last name heritage and Conway surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Conway Surame?
Tim Conway
Thomas Daniel "Tim" Conway (Dec 15, 1933 - May 14, 2019) was an American actor, comedian, and director best known for his roles in The Carol Burnett Show and McHale's Navy. With multiple Emmy Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Conway's humor and ad-lib skills made him a beloved TV icon.
Thomas Conway
Thomas Conway (Feb 27, 1735 - Mar 1795) was an Irish-born army officer known for his service in the American Revolutionary War and the French Revolutionary Wars. Involved in the alleged Conway Cabal, he faced dismissal from the Continental Army for criticizing General Washington.
Mary Vincent Conway
Mary Vincent Conway (c. 18 Jun 1815 - 27 May 1892) was a Sister of Charity and educator. Born Honoria in England, she later became a key figure in establishing schools and an orphanage for the Irish immigrant community in Saint John, New Brunswick.
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