Gay last name origin

What does the name Gay mean? The name Gay came to England with the ancestors of the Gay family in the Norman Conquest of The Gay family lived in Surrey. Their name, however, derives from their place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in , Gaye le Manche, France. 1.

This interesting name has two possible origins, both French, and both introduced by the Normans after the Conquest of The first of these derives from a nickname or byname bestowed on a light-hearted, joyful or cheerful person, from the Old French word "gai", full of joy, in Middle English "gai e ". The second possible origin is locational, where the surname derives from any of the places in Normandy called "Gaye", such as that in La Manche, where the placename derives from an early owner bearing a Germanic personal name beginning" Wai" or "Gai".

The surname Gay is of French origin, derived from the Old French word “gai” meaning “joyful” or “merry”. It is one of the oldest recorded surnames in Europe, with its first written instance dating back to the 11th century in England.

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gay research. Another words 14 lines of text covering the years , , , , and are included under the topic Early Gay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Notable in the family name at this time was Gay possessed fiefs and a silk factory

What does the name Gay mean? The name Gay came to England with the ancestors of the Gay family in the Norman Conquest of The Gay family lived in Surrey. Their name, however, derives from their place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in , Gaye le Manche, France. 1.

Approximately 88, people bear this surname. This surname is derived from a nickname. The name is found in England in first half of the twelfth century.

The surname Gay is of French origin, derived from the Old French word “gai” meaning “joyful” or “merry”. It is one of the oldest recorded surnames in Europe, with its first written instance dating back to the 11th century in England.

The Gay family lived in Surrey. Their name, however, derives from their place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in , Gaye le Manche, France. A Dictionary of English Surnames.