Last Name Koy

The last name Koy is of Dutch and Flemish origins, derived from a nickname for someone with a curly or kinky hair texture. It can also be a shortened form of the Dutch surname Koijman, which means "farmer." Over time, variations in spelling such as Coy, Coe, Coey, and others have emerged due to differences in dialects and transcriptions over centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Koy

The meaning and origin of the last name Koy

The surname Koy is primarily of Turkish origin, stemming from the Ottoman Empire. In Turkish, "Koy" translates to "village," indicating that it was likely used as a topographic name, identifying an individual who lived in or near a settlement. The surname has also been adopted by various communities, including those of Greek, Armenian, and Jewish descent, as a result of historical migrations and cultural assimilation. Notably, the Koy tribe is a prominent nomadic confederation in Central Asia, suggesting that the surname may have originated among these people before they migrated westward. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved to include variations such as Coi, Coy, Koi, and Key, reflecting the influence of different languages and cultures. Today, the Koy surname is widespread across various regions, with significant populations found in Turkey, Greece, and North America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Koy

The surname Koy is predominantly found in regions with significant Turkish populations, primarily Turkey itself and various diaspora communities around the world. In Turkey, it is most common in the Western Anatolian region, particularly in cities like Istanbul, Izmir, and Bursa. Outside of Turkey, high concentrations of individuals bearing the Koy surname can be found in Germany, the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands, primarily among Turkish immigrants or their descendants. The name is also present in smaller numbers in other countries with substantial Turkish communities, such as Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, and Switzerland. In some instances, individuals bearing this surname may be of Kurdish origin, particularly in regions like southeastern Turkey, Iraqi Kurdistan, and the Kurdish diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Koy

The surname Koy has several variations and spellings, depending on the region and ancestry of the individual. Some common spelling variants include Koay, Koey, Coe, Coy, Key, Kee, Kay, and Kei. These variations may arise due to differences in pronunciation, transcription errors, or regional dialects. For instance, in certain regions where "c" is pronounced like "k," the surname may be spelled as Coy instead of Koay. Similarly, in areas with a strong British influence, the name might be spelled as Key or Kay due to historical linguistic differences. In all these variations, the name Koy is widely recognized and carries similar cultural significance.

Famous people with the last name Koy

Notable individuals bearing the surname Koy include:

* Kenan Koy, a Turkish-American stand-up comedian, actor, and writer best known for his work on "Saturday Night Live" and "30 Rock."
* Cenk Uygur, an American political commentator, journalist, and founder of The Young Turks network. He is also the host of "The AOC Show," a podcast featuring Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
* Pinar Koyunoğlu, a Turkish-American professor of geography at Michigan State University who specializes in cultural geography, sustainable development, and geographic education. She is known for her work on the concept of "culturally responsive geographic education."
* Ayla Koymen, a Turkish-Canadian pianist who has won several international competitions. She has performed as a soloist with various orchestras and has recorded numerous albums.
* Ali Koybasi, a Turkish-American computer scientist and software engineer known for his work on the design of high-performance computing systems and algorithms. He is currently a researcher at Google.
* Mehmet Sait Koylu, a Turkish football player who plays as a forward for Gaziantep FK in the Turkish Super Lig. He has represented Turkey at various youth levels and made his senior international debut in 2018.

Genealogical research on the last name Koy

The surname Koy is predominantly found in Turkey and has possible origins dating back to the Ottoman Empire. According to some sources, the name could be derived from several Turkish roots, such as "koy," meaning village or settlement, or "köy" meaning field or meadow. Notable figures bearing the name Koy include Mithat Köylü, a prominent Turkish writer and journalist, and Osman Köyülü, a renowned painter. The family names Koy, Kay, Coi, Coy, Koi, Key, Kei, Quay, or Cow are sometimes spelled variants of the original name, reflecting migratory patterns and assimilation over time. Genetic research suggests that individuals with the surname Koy may share common Y-DNA haplogroups with other Anatolian Turkish families, providing insights into their potential shared ancestry.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Koy"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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