587 Global KEAY Family Members

KEAY Family History

This interesting surname has five possible origins; firstly, it may be of Anglo-Saxon origin, and an occupational name for a maker of keys, or for someone who held the office of key-bearer, from the Olde English pre 7th Century "caeg" meaning key. Secondly, it may be of French origin, a topographical name for someone who lived by a wharf or was employed on one, deriving from the Middle English "kay(e)", a development of the Old French "kay(e)" meaning quay. Thirdly, it may be of Celtic origin, from the Old Welsh given name "Cai", Cornish "Key", borne by the boastful brother of King Arthur.