Hay Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Hay Name Meaning: Originates from the English word 'haeg' or 'hey' meaning enclosure or someone who lived by one. Also may have come from the Norman word ' hay' meaning 'hedge'. May have also come from the English 'hay' or 'hey' meaning 'tall'.

A nickname for someone 'tall', also a habitional name for someone who lived near in an an enclosed are of forest or similar, was also associated with the Norman word meaning 'hedge' so may have meant someone who lived near a hedge.

Discover how your Hay ancestors earned their living and spread across the country. Find out more about your family history by using the Free Search box.

Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

Hay Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Hay family

Profession Census Frequency
Independent 118
Female Servant 109
Agricultural Labourer 108
Cotton Weaver 55
Labourer 50
Male Servant 47
Farmer 43
Weaver 38
Coal Miner 33
Carpenter 24
Shoe Maker 23
Tailor 19
Servant 15
Gardener 15
Butcher 14
Joiner 12
Independant 11
Baker 10
Clerk 10
Pupil 10
Merchant 9
Grocer 9
Blacksmith 9
Silk Weaver 9
Wool Comber 9

Hay Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 Haigh 40% 72,994
2 Hay 100% 36,760
3 Hey 67% 19,967
4 Hoy 67% 10,486
5 Haye 75% 3,944
6 Hoye 50% 2,358
7 Hoey 50% 1,720
8 Heay 75% 425
9 Huey 50% 403
10 Hye 33% 380
11 Huy 67% 255

Did you know?

The surname Hay is the 2nd most popular variant of Haigh.

Search for the Hay family