The Pay Family History

What Does the Pay Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Pay has its roots in both Italian and English origins. It derives from the Middle English terms 'pa' and 'pega', which denote a specific locality or an individual. Numerous spelling variations of the surname exist, including La Pay, Pascelli, Pascel, Pace, De Pay, Paci, Pase, Pacelli, and Pascel. Historically, the early Pay families were primarily located in northern Italy, particularly around the city of Bologna. In England, a significant concentration of Pay families can be found in the southeastern regions, notably in Kent, Sussex, and Hampshire. Additionally, Lanarkshire in Scotland is home to a notable number of individuals bearing the Pay surname. In the United States, the earliest recorded Pay families arrived in Maryland during the 1660s. By the 20th century, the states with the largest populations of individuals with the surname Pay included Georgia, New York, Ohio, Texas, and California.