NomOrigine Background

Last Name Seye

What is the origin of the last name Seye?

The last name "Seye" is of West African origin, specifically coming from the Yoruba ethnic group in Nigeria. It is a common surname in Nigeria and may have been adopted by individuals who have ancestry or connections to the Yoruba people.

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Seye

The meaning and origin of the last name Seye

The surname Seye is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "sæge," which means a cutting tool or weapon. It is believed to have been used as an occupational name for a person who worked as a reaper or cutter of crops. Alternatively, it could also have been used as a nickname for someone who was known for their sharp wit or cutting remarks. The name has been documented in English records dating back to the 13th century, and variations such as Sey and Sayer have been found in different regions of England. Over time, the surname Seye may have evolved into different spellings as families migrated and settled in different areas, resulting in variations of the name that exist today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Seye

The surname Seye is most commonly found in Senegal and other parts of West Africa, particularly in countries like Gambia and Guinea-Bissau. The name is believed to have originated from the Serer ethnic group in Senegal and has spread to other countries through migration and intermarriage. In addition to its presence in West Africa, the surname Seye can also be found among small communities in France and the United States, likely as a result of immigration patterns. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Seye is concentrated in West Africa, with a smaller presence in other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Seye

The last name "Seye" can also be spelled as "Saye" or "Sey." Additionally, variations of this surname may include "Sae," "Say," or "Sai." These variations can be influenced by factors such as regional dialects, historical changes in spelling conventions, or personal preferences for simplifying or altering the original form of the surname. Despite the differences in spelling, these variations typically refer to the same familial lineage and are used interchangeably by individuals and families with roots in regions where the surname is common. The variations in the spelling of "Seye" demonstrate the fluidity and adaptability of surnames over time and across different cultures and languages.

Famous people with the last name Seye

One of the most well-known individuals with the last name Seye is Mame Seye, a Senegalese basketball player who has competed in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and internationally for the Senegalese national team. Another notable figure with the surname Seye is Papa Susso, a Gambian musician and kora player who has garnered recognition for his contributions to West African music. Additionally, Seye Adelekan is a British musician and guitarist who has gained popularity for his work with various bands and solo projects, showcasing his talents in the world of music. These individuals have made a name for themselves in their respective fields, solidifying the Seye name as one associated with talent and success.

Genealogical research on the last name Seye

The surname Seye is believed to have originated in the region of Flanders, now part of Belgium. The name is thought to be of Flemish or Dutch origin, derived from the word "saaie," meaning silk, or "seye," meaning water. The Seye surname has been found in historical records dating back to the medieval period, with mentions of individuals bearing the name in various regions of Flanders, as well as in neighboring areas such as France and the Netherlands. Over the centuries, the Seye family may have branched out and settled in different parts of Europe, contributing to the spread and diversity of the surname. Today, individuals with the last name Seye can be found in various countries around the world, carrying on the ancestral heritage of their family name.

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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Sêŷã (Last name)

surnames > se-a

The last name "Sea" is of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "see," which means a large body of water such as the sea or ocean. The surname may have origina...

Seyad ahamed (Last name)

surnames > seyad-ahamed

The last name "Seyad Ahamed" likely originates from South India or Sri Lanka and is of Tamil or Muslim origin. It is derived from the Arabic name "Sayed" or "Seyyed," meaning "Lord...

Seyad ibrahim (Last name)

surnames > seyad-ibrahim

The last name Seyad Ibrahim likely originated from Arabic-speaking regions, as "Seyad" means "master" or "leader" and "Ibrahim" is a common Arabic given name meaning "father of man...

Seyafju (Last name)

surnames > seyafju

The origin of the last name "seyafju" is not clear and does not appear to have a specific linguistic or cultural history associated with it. It may be a rare or unique surname with...

Seyam (Last name)

surnames > seyam

The last name "Seyam" is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the word "sayyam," which means "fasting" in Arabic. The name may have originated from a family whose ancestors were kn...

Seyani (Last name)

surnames > seyani

The last name Seyani is of Indian origin, specifically from the Gujarati community in India. It is derived from the Gujarati word "sevani," which means a type of tree.

Seyason (Last name)

surnames > seyason

The surname Seyason is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Spanish word "estación," meaning "station" or "season." It is believed to have originally been used as a topograph...

Seyd ali (Last name)

surnames > seyd-ali

The last name "Seyd Ali" originated in Turkey. It is a Turkish name derived from the combination of the Arabic name "Seyd" meaning "lord" or "master", and the Arabic name "Ali" whi...

Seyda (Last name)

surnames > seyda

The last name "Seyda" is of Turkish origin. It is derived from the Turkish word "şeyda" which means "intoxicated" or "ecstatic." This surname may have been given to a person who w...

Seydmohammed (Last name)

surnames > seydmohammed

The last name "Seydmohammed" is of Arabic origin. It is a combination of the Arabic words "Seyd" meaning "master" or "chief" and "Mohammed" which is the name of the Islamic prophet...

Seyed abuthahir (Last name)

surnames > seyed-abuthahir

The last name "Seyed Abuthahir" is of Arabic origin and typically indicates a family's lineage or descent. "Seyed" is an honorific title in Arabic, meaning "descendant of" or "belo...

Seyed salehi (Last name)

surnames > seyed-salehi

The last name Seyed Salehi is of Persian origin. It is derived from the Turkish word "seyyid," meaning noble or master, and the Arabic word "Saleh," meaning righteous or virtuous. ...

Seyedi (Last name)

surnames > seyedi

The last name "Seyedi" is of Persian origin. It is a common surname in Iran and is of Iranian descent. The name "Seyedi" is believed to be derived from the Persian word "Seyyed," w...

Seyem (Last name)

surnames > seyem

The surname "Seyem" originates from West Africa, specifically Ghana. It is a common surname among the Akan ethnic group in Ghana.

Seyer soled (Last name)

surnames > seyer-soled

The last name "Seyer" is of German origin, derived from the personal name "Segher," meaning "victory army." The last name "Soled" is of Spanish origin, derived from the personal na...