Kay Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Kay come from? What does the surname Kay mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Kay and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Kay Origin: What does the last name Kay mean?
The surname Kay is of English origin, deriving from Old Breton, Welsh, and Cornish terms meaning "wharf" or the Old English term meaning "key." It is also a diminutive of MacKay and McKay. The Kay surname is closely associated with England, where it first appeared in records around the early 15th century. Over the centuries, the Kay family records grew in the United States, surpassing England in volume by the 18th century. Today, the Kay surname remains prominent in the United States and can be found in regions worldwide.
YourRoots data confirms that the Kay surname has a long history in England and has spread globally over the centuries. By the 18th century, the surname's presence grew significantly in the United States, continuing into the 19th and 20th centuries. The Kay surname can now be found in various countries worldwide, reflecting a rich heritage that has evolved across different regions and cultures in modern times.
Kay Last Name History: Where did the last name Kay come from?
Origin of Kay Surname: Where does the last name Kay originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Kay first appeared in records from England, United Kingdom around the early 15th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Kay” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Kay: What does the Kay surname history look like in the early days?
The “Kay” surname remained closely associated with England, United Kingdom from the 15th through the 17th century. The volume of Kay family records started to grow in the United States from the 18th century. Other countries with notable frequency of the Kay surname during this period are still being analyzed by YourRoots.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Kay surname today?
By the 18th century, the volume of records with the Kay surname grew significantly in the United States, surpassing England, United Kingdom, a trend that continued into the 19th and 20th centuries. The “Kay” surname remains prominent in the United States and can be found in regions worldwide. Further analysis by YourRoots will provide more detailed information about the global distribution of the Kay surname in the modern era.
Explore Kay last name heritage and Kay surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME KAY
Famous People With Kay Surame?
Jay Kay
Jason Luís Cheetham (born December 30, 1969) is a British singer and songwriter known as Jay Kay. He co-founded the band Jamiroquai in 1992 and remains its lead vocalist. Kay is recognized for his interest in luxury cars and contributions to environmental causes. He has made appearances on popular shows like Top Gear and Strictly Come Dancing. Despite facing personal challenges early in life, Kay found success in music and has sold over 26 million albums worldwide. Kay's unique style and love for headgear have earned him the nickname "the mad hatter".
Katty Kay
Katherine "Katty" Kay (born 14 Nov 1964) is a British-Swiss journalist, author, and broadcaster known for her work on BBC World News America and Beyond 100 Days. She co-wrote books like Womenomics and The Confidence Code, and co-hosted podcasts like When Katty Met Carlos. Kay has covered US Presidential elections and is a board member at the International Women's Media Foundation.
Kay's career spans from Zimbabwe correspondent to US Special Correspondent for BBC Studios. She has anchored BBC World news bulletins and coverage of Presidential inaugurations. Kay's remarks on terrorism in Europe sparked controversy, and she resides in Washington, D.C. with her four children.
Peter Kay
Peter John Kay (born 2 Jul 1973) is an English comedian, actor, writer, and director known for his work in TV series like "Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights" and "Peter Kay's Car Share." He gained fame for his stand-up comedy and mockumentary style. Kay has won multiple awards, including a BAFTA TV Award, and holds a Guinness World Record for the most successful comedy tour. His humor and relatable characters have endeared him to audiences, making him a beloved figure in British entertainment.
Barnaby Kay
Barnaby Kay (born 9 Apr 1969) is a British actor known for his roles in television, stage, film, and performance art. He has appeared in popular shows like "Doctor Who," "Wallander," and "Midsomer Murders," as well as in theatre productions such as "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "As You Like It." Kay's talent has earned him recognition in the entertainment industry, with a diverse range of performances showcasing his versatility as an actor. Additionally, his personal life includes a marriage to actress Nicola Walker and a son together. Overall, Barnaby Kay has made a significant impact in the world of acting with his captivating performances.
Mary Kay
Mary Kay Ash (May 12, 1915 - November 22, 2001) was the founder of Mary Kay Inc., a successful American multi-level marketing company specializing in cosmetics. Starting with just 318 consultants in 1963, the company grew exponentially, reaching over $950 million in sales by 1995. Known for her entrepreneurial spirit, Ash famously rewarded top salespeople with pink Cadillacs, becoming an iconic symbol of the company's success. Her legacy lives on through the continued growth and success of Mary Kay Inc., with her grandson Ryan Rogers taking over as CEO in 2022.
All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.
