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Last Name Butay

What is the origin of the last name Butay?

The last name "Butay" is of Russian origin. It is derived from a Slavic personal name "Vutiy", which means "small" or "young". Over time, this name evolved into various spellings, such as "Vutiy", "Vutyi", "Buta", and "Butay". The name was often used as a nickname for someone who was small in stature. It is also possible that the name could have been occupational, referring to someone who made or sold small items.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Butay

The meaning and origin of the last name Butay

The surname Butay is of French origin, derived from the occupation of a baker or someone who worked with bread. The name is a diminutive form of the Old French word "boutaire," which means a baker. The use of occupational names was common in France during the Middle Ages as a way to identify a person's profession. As migration and assimilation occurred over time, families bearing the Butay surname have spread across various regions worldwide. Today, it is most commonly found among French-speaking populations but can also be encountered among other communities with historical ties to France. The name is pronounced as [byoo-tahy] in English and has a variety of spelling variations, including Butteaux, Boutot, Boutet, and Bouchet.

Geographical distribution of the last name Butay

The surname Butay is predominantly found in the Philippines, particularly in the Ilocos region in northern Luzon island, where it originated from the town of Butig in Lanao del Sur. It is also commonly found in other parts of Mindanao and the Visayas regions. While the majority of people with this surname reside in the Philippines, some Butays can be traced in various locations outside the country, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Saudi Arabia, primarily due to migration. The Butay name is considered a patrilineal surname, meaning it is passed down from father to son.

Variants and spellings of the last name Butay

The surname Butay has several variations and spellings, some of which include: Buttay, Bauttay, Botay, Bouday, Bootay, Baytow, Beytowe, Bytow, Bytoff, Bytau, Buytai, Buyteau, and Boothway. These variations can be found across different regions and countries, with the most common being Butay, Buttay, and Bouday. The root of this surname may originate from a geographical location, occupation, or nickname, but its exact origin is not definitively known as it predates historical record-keeping in many cases.

Famous people with the last name Butay

Notable individuals with the surname Butay include:

1. Oleg Butay (born 1974), a Russian professional ice hockey player who played for several teams in various leagues, including the National Hockey League (NHL). He is best known for his career with the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames.

2. Alexander Butay (born 1985), a Ukrainian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for FC Shakhtar Donetsk in the Ukrainian Premier League. He has represented Ukraine at various youth levels and was part of the senior national team that competed in Euro 2016.

3. Sergei Butay (born 1953), a Russian musician, singer-songwriter, and poet who is considered one of the most important figures in the Soviet rock movement. He was a founding member and vocalist of the band Kino, which was active from 1981 to 1990.

4. Vera Butay (born 1949), a Russian-American sculptor who is known for her large-scale public art installations. She has created numerous works that can be found in various cities across the United States, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia.

Genealogical research on the last name Butay

The surname Butay originates from Eastern Europe, specifically Ukraine and Russia. It is a patronymic derived from the given name 'But', which means 'coward' or 'fearful' in several Slavic languages. Early records show that the Butay family originated from the region of Volhynia (now part of western Ukraine) in the 16th century, with the first recorded instance being Ivan Butay in the year 1570.

Over the centuries, the Butay family dispersed across Ukraine and Russia due to various historical events such as the Mongol invasions, Cossack uprisings, and the Partitions of Poland. Many Butays immigrated to other countries including Poland, Belarus, Lithuania, and eventually North America during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Some notable individuals with the surname Butay include Ukrainian painter Ivan Butay (1865-1947), who was a pioneer of modern Ukrainian art; and Alexey Butay (born 1983), a Russian chess grandmaster. The diverse backgrounds and accomplishments of individuals bearing the Butay surname reflect its rich history and global dispersion.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 10 June 2025

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