The Veazey Family History

What Does the Veazey Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Veazey has its roots in England and emerged following the Norman conquest by the French in 1066. Initially recorded as Vassy and DeVesci, the name is derived from the Old French word ‘envoisie,’ which conveys the notion of enjoyment and denotes a person characterized by cheerfulness. Variants of the surname Veazey include Vessey, Fressis, Veasey, Vassy, Feasy, Fessey, and Vesci. The earliest instances of the Veazey family in England can be traced back to the Northampton area. Significant populations of Veazey families are primarily found in London, as well as in the counties of Rutland, Lincolnshire, Essex, Yorkshire, and Durham. In the context of the United States, the first Veazey families arrived in Massachusetts during the mid-17th century, with many subsequently migrating southwards to states such as North Carolina, Kentucky, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Texas. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Vance Veazey, a professional golfer; Wheelock G. Veazey, who received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service during the Civil War; Stephen M. Veazey, the President of the Community of Christ; and Thomas Ward Veazey, a politician and governor of Maryland during the 1830s.