Origin & Meaning of the Kay Surname
What does the last name Kay mean?
The surname Kay carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 24,337 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kay ranks as the #1,467 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kay come from?
The Kay surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Kay name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kay trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Kay |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,467 |
| US Count (2010) | 24,337 |
| Per 100K People | 8.25 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kay
According to the US Census, the Kay surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 24,337 Americans with the Kay last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 85.64% |
| Black | 5.89% |
| Hispanic | 2.48% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 3.47% |
| Native American | 0.61% |
| Two or More Races | 1.92% |
Popularity of Kay Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kay surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kay surname increased by 1,148 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Kay
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Kay.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Kay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kay
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