The Quay Family History

What Does the Quay Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Quay has its roots in both Irish and Scottish heritage, deriving from the Gaelic word ‘aodh,’ which represents a variant of the name ‘Hugh.’ This surname exhibits several spelling variations, including MacCoy, MacQuey, MacKye, MacKaw, and MacQuoid. The earliest recorded instances of the Scottish variant of Quay can be traced back to Sutherland, Scotland, although a significant concentration of this surname later emerged in Lanarkshire county. During the 19th century, numerous families bearing the Quay surname migrated to Ireland and Australia. In England, the majority of Quay families have settled in the northern regions, particularly in Northumberland, Cumberland, and the Isle of Man. In the United States, Quay families predominantly reside in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New Jersey. Notable individuals bearing the surname include Stephen Quay, a film director, and Timothy Quay, a filmmaker and animator.