Summary

The surname Fay is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic word "Ó Fathaigh", meaning "descendant of Fathaigh". It is believed to have originated in County Galway in Ireland. The name has a history that dates back several centuries and is associated with ancient Celtic clans and tribes.
There are
14849
Fays in the USA
Fay is the
2440th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Fay

AliceFay

Alice Fay was an American actress and singer who was active in the 1930s and 1940s. She starred in numerous musical films and was known for her beautiful singing voice.

DouglasFay

Douglas Fay was an Australian environmentalist and conservationist who dedicated his life to protecting the Great Barrier Reef. He played a crucial role in raising awareness about the reef's ecological importance.

ElizabethFay

Elizabeth Fay was an English novelist and playwright known for her works of romantic fiction. She was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for her compelling storytelling and vivid characters.

FrankFay

Frank Fay was an American vaudeville comedian and Broadway actor. He was one of the first comedians to transition from vaudeville to Broadway and became known for his witty and irreverent style.

HannahFay

Hannah Fay was an Irish suffragette and women's rights advocate. She was involved in the campaign for women's suffrage in Ireland and played a crucial role in advancing women's rights in the early 20th century.

JohnFay

John Fay was an English poet and playwright. He was known for his lyrical poetry and his plays, which often explored themes of love, loss, and the human condition.

KatherineFay

Katherine Fay was an American astronomer who made significant contributions to the field of astrophysics. She specialized in studying star formation and the structure of galaxies.

RichardFay

Richard Fay was an Irish politician and statesman. He served as the Prime Minister of Ireland from 1948 to 1951 and played a key role in the country's early years of independence.

SarahFay

Sarah Fay was an American civil rights activist and journalist. She dedicated her life to fighting for social justice and equality, and played a crucial role in the civil rights movement of the 1960s.

WilliamFay

William Fay was an English explorer and cartographer. He participated in several expeditions to uncharted territories and made significant contributions to the mapping of new lands.

Fay Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Fay' has multiple origins. It can be of Scottish, Irish, or French origin. In Scottish and Irish, it is derived from the Gaelic word 'faoi,' meaning 'fair' or 'blond.' In French, it is derived from the Old French word 'fei,' meaning 'faith' or 'loyalty.'
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Fay' is distributed across various regions. It has a significant presence in Scotland, Ireland, and France, due to its respective origins. It can also be found in other English-speaking countries and communities with Scottish, Irish, or French roots.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Fay' include 'Faye' and 'Fahey.' These variations may reflect regional or dialectal differences in pronunciation or spelling.
Migration and ImmigrationPeople with the surname 'Fay' have migrated and immigrated to different countries throughout history. Scottish and Irish populations, as well as individuals with French ancestry, have carried the name to various parts of the world.