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Last Name Tey

What is the origin of the last name Tey?

The surname Tey is of French origin and is derived from a place name, specifically Taisy, a commune in the Calvados department in northern France. The name is thought to be a habitation name from this location. Throughout history, surnames were frequently based on the names of places where the original bearer resided or held land. In this case, the French name of the place, Taisy, was likely anglicized to Tey when families bearing the name immigrated to England and then eventually to other English-speaking countries.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Tey

The meaning and origin of the last name Tey

The surname Tey is of English origin, derived from various places named Teigh or Teig that are scattered across England. These place names are believed to have origins in Old Norse, where "Teigr" means 'gravelly place', likely referring to the geographical features found at these locations. Over time, these place names evolved into Tey or Teigh, and eventually became surnames as families residing in these areas sought to distinguish themselves. The surname Tey has multiple variations, including Teague, Tee, Teigh, and Tye, all of which are rooted in the same geographical origins.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tey

The surname Tey is predominantly found in France and Belgium, originating from the Picardy region in northern France. It is a variant of the French name Teissier or Teisseire, which means 'roofer' or 'tile maker'. Over time, the spelling evolved into Tey, especially in Flanders, the Dutch-speaking region of Belgium adjacent to France. The name is less common in other parts of the world but can be found among French and Belgian immigrants, particularly in countries with a significant number of European settlers such as Canada, the United States, and Australia. In these countries, variations of the name, like Teye or De Tey, may also appear due to assimilation and naturalization processes.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tey

The surname Tey has multiple variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Here are some common variants:

* Tay
* Tee
* Thay
* Thee
* They
* Dey (from the Dutch spelling)
* D'Ey (French origin)

These variations may also appear in different regions with slight modifications, such as MacTey or McTay in Scotland. Additionally, some people might adopt unique spellings based on personal preference or family tradition.

Famous people with the last name Tey

Notable individuals with the surname Tey include:

1. Daphne du Maurier (1907-1989), an English writer, whose works include the novels Rebecca and Jamaica Inn, as well as numerous short stories. Du Maurier was also a playwright and scriptwriter for film and television.

2. Albert Tey (born 1964), a Canadian politician who served as the Member of Parliament for Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia from 2015 to 2019, representing the Conservative Party of Canada.

3. Alexander McCall Smith (born 1948), a Scottish author and professor who is best known for his series The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, which features Botswana-based detective Precious Ramotswe.

While these individuals are not directly related, they share the same surname and have made significant contributions in their respective fields of literature, politics, and academia.

Genealogical research on the last name Tey

The surname Tey is of French origin and is derived from various place names across France, particularly in the region of Normandy. One such place is Théville, which means 'heath village' in Old French. The surname Tey may also have originated from Teillay, a commune located in the Loire-Atlantique department. Throughout history, notable individuals with the surname Tey have emerged. For instance, Émile Teyssot de Sucy (1894-1970), a French diplomat and author, who served as France's Ambassador to the United States from 1946 to 1952. In England, the name is sometimes spelled as Tee or Tea, which may have resulted from anglicization during immigration. Notable English bearers of this name include Thomas Tey (died 1389), a member of Parliament for Somerset, and Sir Henry Tey (died 1420), an English knight who participated in the Battle of Agincourt.

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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 : 24 July 2025

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