Origin & Meaning of the Kays Surname
What does the last name Kays mean?
The surname Kays 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 2,863 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kays ranks as the #11,086 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kays come from?
The Kays 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 Kays name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kays 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 | Kays |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #11,086 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,863 |
| Per 100K People | 0.97 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kays
According to the US Census, the Kays surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,863 Americans with the Kays last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.59% |
| Black | 0.66% |
| Hispanic | 2.44% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.28% |
| Native American | 0.94% |
| Two or More Races | 1.08% |
Popularity of Kays Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kays surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kays surname decreased by 16 between 2000 and 2010.
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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 Kays.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kays
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