Last Name Cay

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cay

The meaning and origin of the last name Cay

The surname Cay, also spelled Key or Kay, is primarily of English and Irish origin. It's derived from various sources, making its history somewhat complex. In England, it is an anglicized form of the Old Norse personal name Ketil, meaning "kettle" or "barrel." In Ireland, it may be an Anglicization of the Gaelic Mac Caoithe, which means "son of Cait," a diminutive of the personal name Cathal, meaning "wanderer" or "journeyer." Additionally, in some cases, Cay can also be a shortened form of the English surname Carpenter, derived from the Old French carpentier. The surname may have also originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near a cay, a low island found in coral reefs or atolls, particularly in the Caribbean, although this is less common outside of those regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cay

The surname Cay, predominantly of English origin, is distributed across various regions globally but has significant concentrations in certain areas. In England, it's primarily found in Yorkshire and Lancashire, with smaller pockets in other parts of the country. In North America, the name is most prevalent in the United States, particularly in states like Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, which have large populations of descendants from English settlers. The Caribbean island of Jamaica also has a substantial number of people bearing the Cay surname due to historical migration patterns. In addition, there are communities with the last name Cay in other parts of the world, such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, indicating dispersal of families over time and through migration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cay

The surname Cay or Kay has multiple variations due to differences in spelling conventions and regional dialects over time. Some common variants include:

1. Caye - This is a variant typically found in Caribbean countries, where it may be phonetically spelled to reflect local pronunciations.
2. Key - This is the most common Americanized variant of the name, often used by families who originated from the Caribbean or Ireland.
3. Kai - A shorter and more modern variation that aims for a simpler, more contemporary spelling.
4. Cae - A less common variant, which may be found in some historical records.
5. Kaye - This is an English variant of the surname, often used interchangeably with "Cay" or "Key."
6. Caie - Another variant that can be found in various parts of the world, especially where the original spelling has been influenced by local linguistic customs.
7. Kaii - A rare and exotic-sounding variation that may appeal to those seeking a unique name.

Famous people with the last name Cay

The Cay family is associated with notable figures in various fields. One of the most prominent is Ridley Scott Cay, an American actor best known for his role as Peter Thorne in the television series "24." Another well-known individual is John Cay, a British mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of number theory. He is particularly recognized for his work on elliptic curves and modular forms. In the world of music, the late American musician Jimmy Cay, also known as Jimmy Castor, gained fame as the lead singer and saxophonist of the band Jimmy Castor Bunch, known for hits like "Troglodyte (Cave Man)" and "It's Just Begun." These are just a few examples of individuals bearing the last name Cay who have made significant impacts in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Cay

The surname Cay, originating from the Old Norse word "Kjarr," meaning marsh or bog, is predominantly found among people of Scandinavian descent. The name was introduced to England during the Viking invasions in the late 9th and early 10th centuries. Over time, variations of the name such as Kaye, Casey, Keyes, and Keay have emerged due to phonetic changes and Anglicization processes.

The Cay family was well-represented in Ireland during the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century, when British Protestants were settled in Ulster by the English Crown to increase control over the area. Notable individuals with the surname include John Cay, a pioneering Scottish mathematician and geometer, and Mary Cay Brassell, an American aviator.

The Cay name can also be found in North America, particularly in Canada and the United States, where it is believed to have been brought by early English settlers. The family's history in these regions includes diverse professions, such as farming, military service, and politics.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cay"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 23 July 2025