Hay Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Hay come from? What does the surname Hay mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Hay and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Hay Origin: What does the last name Hay mean?
The surname Hay is of English and Scottish origin, derived from the Scoto-Norman de la Haye. It has common variations such as Hayes, Haynes, Haines, or Hughes. Notable individuals with the surname include musicians like Barry Hay and Colin Hay, as well as historical figures like Sir John Dalrymple-Hay and Mary Garrett Hay. The surname has aristocratic roots in Scotland, with the Clan Hay having a prominent presence in Scottish history.
According to YourRoots data, the Hay surname has a long history dating back to the early 11th century in France. It later became more prevalent in Scotland by the 13th century and has since spread globally, with significant populations in the United States, Scotland, France, England, and other countries. The surname Hay represents a diverse and widespread family name with a rich historical background across various regions and cultures.
Hay Last Name History: Where did the last name Hay come from?
Origin of Hay Surname: Where does the last name Hay originate from?
From the data in YourRoots, the surname Hay first appears in records from France in the early 11th century. This information is based solely on the exact "Hay" spelling in the YourRoots database, and doesn't include other record sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Hay: What does the Hay surname history look like in the early days?
The Hay surname was predominantly found in France and England in the 11th century. However, by the 13th century, the frequency of this surname had grown significantly in Scotland, becoming the leading nation for this surname. The Hay surname continued to be associated with Scotland through the 17th century. Meanwhile, there were also records in countries like France, England, and the United States.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Hay surname today?
By the 19th century, the frequency of Hay surname records had grown significantly in the United States, surpassing Scotland. In the 20th century, the United States continued to lead in the volume of Hay surname records. Today, the 'Hay' surname is found in countries worldwide, including but not limited to, the United States, Scotland, France, England, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland.
Explore Hay last name heritage and Hay surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Hay Surame?
Colin Hay
Colin James Hay (born 29 Jun 1953) is a Scottish-Australian musician known for his time as the lead vocalist of Men at Work and his successful solo career. He has appeared in popular TV shows like Scrubs and The Resident, as well as in movies such as Cosi. Hay is also a member of Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, showcasing his versatile musical talents. With a blend of acoustic melodies and iconic hits like "Overkill" and "Down Under," Hay continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his unique sound and storytelling lyrics.
Louise Hay
Louise Lynn Hay (October 8, 1926 – August 30, 2017) was an American motivational author, speaker, and AIDS advocate. She founded Hay House publishing and authored the influential self-help book "You Can Heal Your Life" in 1984. Hay's teachings on positive thinking and healing through affirmations resonated with millions worldwide. She overcame personal struggles, including childhood abuse and cancer, to become a beacon of hope for those seeking personal growth and transformation. Through her books, workshops, and charity work, Hay left a lasting legacy in the self-help and New Age movements, inspiring countless individuals to embrace healing and empowerment.
Harry Hay
Henry Hay Jr. (April 7, 1912 – October 24, 2002) was an American gay rights activist, communist, and labor advocate. He founded the Mattachine Society, the first sustained gay rights group in the U.S., and cofounded the Radical Faeries. Hay is known as "the Founder of the Modern Gay Movement" and "the father of gay liberation." Despite controversy, he remained active in various activist causes and supported the North American Man/Boy Love Association. His early life in England and Chile, as well as his struggles with his father and self-discovery, shaped his journey towards advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and social change.
John Hay
John Milton Hay (Oct 8, 1838 – Jul 1, 1905) was an American statesman and diplomat who served as the United States Secretary of State under Presidents McKinley and Roosevelt. Known for his close association with Abraham Lincoln, Hay was a key figure in shaping U.S. foreign policy, negotiating treaties like the Open Door Policy and the Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty for the Panama Canal. He was also a biographer of Lincoln and a writer of poetry and literature. Hay's career spanned over almost half a century, leaving a lasting impact on American history.
Barry Hay
Barry Andrew Hay (born 16 Aug 1948) is an Indian-born Dutch musician known for being the lead vocalist of the Dutch rock band Golden Earring until their disbandment in 2021. He achieved worldwide fame with hit songs like "Radar Love" and "Twilight Zone." Apart from his band career, he has released three solo albums and collaborated with other musicians. Hay has also lent his voice to animated films and TV shows. Currently, he divides his time between the Netherlands and Curaçao, where he hosts a radio show.
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