Last Name Okey

The surname Okey is of English origin and is derived from the Old English personal name Oca, meaning "descendant of Oca." It may also have originated from the Middle English word "okey," meaning "vigorous" or "energetic." The name is found predominantly in the North of England and is also recorded in the forms Oakley and Okey.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Okey

The meaning and origin of the last name Okey

The surname Okey is of English origin and is derived from the medieval personal name Okey, which itself is a variant of the name Odo. The name Odo is of Old Germanic origin, derived from the word "od," meaning "wealth" or "fortune." The surname Okey may have originated as a nickname for someone who was considered wealthy or fortunate. It is recorded in various forms such as Okey, Oakey, and Okeye in historical records dating back to the 13th century. Over time, the surname Okey has spread to different parts of the world through immigration and globalization.

Geographical distribution of the last name Okey

The last name Okey is most commonly found in Nigeria, particularly in the southern regions such as Delta and Edo states. It is also present in significant numbers in other West African countries such as Ghana and Liberia. In addition, there are smaller populations of individuals with the last name Okey in countries like the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia, likely due to migration patterns and the diaspora. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Okey suggests a strong presence in West Africa, with smaller but notable communities in other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Okey

The last name Okey can be spelled in various ways, including Okay, Oki, Okiy, Okei, and Okie. These variations may stem from differences in pronunciation, regional dialects, or transcription errors. Although the most common spelling is typically "Okey," individuals may choose to use any of these alternative spellings for personal or aesthetic reasons. Regardless of the specific spelling, the name Okey remains easily recognizable and distinct.

Famous people with the last name Okey

There are no widely known famous individuals with the last name Okey. The name Okey is not commonly associated with any well-known public figures or celebrities in various fields such as entertainment, sports, politics, or business. As a result, there are no prominent individuals with the last name Okey that have achieved significant recognition or fame on a global scale. While there may be individuals with the surname Okey who have made contributions within their respective communities or fields of expertise, they have not gained widespread acclaim or notoriety to be considered among the most famous people with their last name.

Genealogical research on the last name Okey

The surname Okey is of English origin and is believed to be derived from the Old English personal name "Oca" or "Occ" combined with the suffix "-ey" which means "island" or "dwelling by water". The earliest recorded instance of the surname Okey dates back to the 13th century in Essex, England. Over the centuries, the Okey family spread to various regions in England including Devon, Somerset, and Yorkshire. Notable individuals with the surname Okey include Thomas Okey, an English author and translator, and Francis Wenman Okey, a British classical scholar. Today, individuals with the surname Okey can be found in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia, among other countries, continuing the legacy of the Okey family name.

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