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Last Name Noyes

What is the origin of the last name Noyes?

The last name "Noyes" has origins in England. It is a surname of Norman-French origin derived from the Old Norse personal name "Eiríkr." Over time, the name evolved and became "Fitz Noyes" or "Noyes" in England. The name spread and was also brought to America by English immigrants.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Noyes

The meaning and origin of the last name Noyes

The surname Noyes is of English origin and has a dual meaning. It is derived from the Middle English word "noy," which means "annoyance" or "disturbance," and was likely used as a nickname for someone who caused trouble or was a nuisance. Additionally, it can also be derived from the Old English name "Noi," meaning "descendant of Noe" or "someone from Noah's lineage." The latter meaning suggests a possible biblical origin, as Noah was known for his role in the tale of the great flood. The surname Noyes has various spellings, including Noyse, Noys, and Nye. Over time, the name has spread across different locations and has seen variations due to changes in pronunciation and dialects. Today, individuals with the surname Noyes can be found around the world, although it is more common in English-speaking countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Noyes

The last name Noyes has a relatively widespread geographical distribution. It can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in English-speaking countries. In the United States, the name appears to be most concentrated in the New England region, particularly in states such as Massachusetts and New Hampshire. This can be attributed to the historical presence of English settlers in these areas. Additionally, there are significant populations of individuals with the last name Noyes in Canada, particularly in the province of Ontario. Outside of North America, the name can also be found in the United Kingdom, where it originated. It is distributed across different regions of England, Scotland, and Wales. Furthermore, the name has also spread to other parts of the world through migration, with instances of Noyes families in Australia and New Zealand. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Noyes reflects its English origins and subsequent migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Noyes

The last name Noyes has a few variations and spellings across different regions and historical periods. One such variation is "Noys," which can be found in old English records. Another spelling variation is "Noyce," which is more commonly associated with certain regions in the United Kingdom. Similarly, "Noyse" is a variant that can be traced back to medieval times. In some instances, the name may have been anglicized as "Noice" or "Noyses." Additionally, it is worth noting that surnames are subject to changes due to regional dialects or assimilation in new environments. Thus, you might occasionally come across variations like "Noice" or "Noys" depending on particular circumstances. Overall, the variations in the spelling of the surname Noyes reflect the passage of time, geographical distinctions, and the evolution of language itself.

Famous people with the last name Noyes

There have been several notable individuals with the last name Noyes who have left a lasting impact in their respective fields. One such famous person is John Humphrey Noyes (1811-1886), an American religious leader and founder of the Oneida Community, a religious commune that aimed for perfection and complex marriage practices. Although controversial, Noyes' ideas and experiments on communal living and social reforms undeniably played a significant role in shaping social and religious history in the United States. Another notable individual is Jack Noyes, a prominent photographer renowned for his breathtaking landscape and nature images. Through his lens, Jack Noyes captures the beauty of the world and inspires others to appreciate and protect the environment. These individuals, in their own unique ways, have cemented the Noyes name in history and contributed to their respective fields, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

Genealogical research on the last name Noyes

The surname Noyes has its origins in England and can be traced back to the 13th century. The name is derived from the Old English word "gnōs," meaning "ignorant" or "foolish." The Noyes family has a rich history, with early records showing their presence in the county of Suffolk in eastern England. From there, the family spread to various parts of the country, including Norfolk, Kent, and London. Over time, some members of the Noyes family migrated to the United States, particularly New England, during the early colonial period. Notably, the Reverend James Noyes, a Puritan minister, arrived in Massachusetts in 1634 and played a significant role in the founding of the town of Newbury. The Noyes name continues to be found in both England and the United States, with descendants of this influential family scattered across different regions of both countries.

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 : 11 April 2025

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