Summary

The surname Hay is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Old English word 'hēg', meaning 'fenced or enclosed'. It is associated with individuals who lived near a hedge or an enclosure. The name has a long history, with records dating back to the 12th century.
There are
18029
Hays in the USA
Hay is the
2005th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Hay

JohnHay

John Hay was an American statesman and diplomat who served as the United States Secretary of State from 1898 to 1905. He is also known for his role as private secretary to President Abraham Lincoln.

MargaretHay

Margaret Hay was a Scottish noblewoman who married James Campbell, the 5th Earl of Loudoun. She was known for her involvement in political affairs and her feud with Lord George Murray.

WilliamHay

William Hay was a British general who served in various military campaigns, including the Napoleonic Wars and the Peninsular War. He eventually rose to the rank of Field Marshal.

AlisonHay

Alison Hay is a Canadian actress known for her roles in various television dramas and films. She has been praised for her versatility and ability to portray complex characters.

RobertHay

Robert Hay was a Scottish architect and architectural theorist who made significant contributions to the field of neoclassical architecture. He is known for his work on the design of public buildings.

FlorenceHay

Florence Hay was an American suffragist and activist who played a key role in the women's suffrage movement. She co-founded the National Women's Party and fought for equal rights for women.

JamesHay

James Hay was a Scottish mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to the field of celestial mechanics. He is known for his work on the three-body problem.

GraceHay

Grace Hay was a British suffragette and social reformer who campaigned for women's suffrage and other social causes. She was a prominent figure in the suffrage movement.

GeorgeHay

George Hay was an American bishop of the Catholic Church who served as the Bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee. He is known for his efforts to promote the Catholic faith and education.

ElizabethHay

Elizabeth Hay is a Canadian novelist and short story writer. She has received numerous awards for her work, including the Governor General's Award for Fiction.

Hay Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Hay' is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Old English word 'heg', meaning 'enclosure' or 'hedge', and was originally a topographic name for someone who lived near a hedge or enclosure.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Hay' is most commonly found in Scotland, particularly in the areas of Aberdeenshire, Angus, and Fife. It is also found in other parts of the United Kingdom, as well as in Canada, Australia, and the United States.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Hay' include 'Hays' and 'Haigh'.
Migration and ImmigrationPeople with the surname 'Hay' have migrated and immigrated to various countries throughout history. Many Scottish emigrants carried the name to countries such as Canada, the United States, and Australia.