Surname Day - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling the Threads of Heritage: An iGENEA DNA Test's Impact on the Perception of the Surname 'Day'”
My iGENEA DNA test unfolded before me a complex picture of my lineage and reshaped my understanding of my surname, ‘Day’. It instilled in me a sense of pride for my roots, also deepening my connection to my personal identity.
I. Day
read moreDay: What does the surname Day mean?
The last name Day is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word 'daeg'. This word was the term for a 24-hour period and could also be used to mean a specific day that was significant or important. Over time, the surname Day was adopted as a surname to signify that the family had a connection to that particular day.
Today, people with the surname Day typically appreciate the history and meaning behind their name. Studies show that this surname might have originated from a particular area in the United Kingdom which was known for its days of celebration or recognized as a feudatory of a certain area. The Days also had a reputation as a proud and independent family, which could be attributed to their surname.
The Days are seen as a hardworking family that followed their passion and were well-respected. It was also typical for family members to work together in some capacity, whether it was on a farm, in a business, or crafts. This could be a driving force behind the meaning of the day, as it may represent a strong work ethic, or even a connection to a certain occasion or holiday.
The last name Day often represents a strong familial connection, with many families tracing their roots back to the same origin and same time-period. This is a testament to the family’s persistence and dedication to their roots, as well as an appreciation for the importance of their last name.
Order DNA origin analysisDay: Where does the name Day come from?
The surname Day is found in many countries around the world. In the United States, the last name Day is the 511th most common surname, with around 110,000 people bearing the name. It is more common in the South, with Mississippi being the state with the most individuals bearing the name.
In England, Day is in the top 100 most common surnames, making it one of the most recognizable in the country. In Scotland, it is not as common as in England, but still is one of the top 250 most common surnames, placing it in the upper half of names.
In Canada, the last name Day is more common in the East, most notably in the maritime provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. In Australia, the last name Day is most commonly found in New South Wales and Victoria, with a few cases in South Australia, Western Australia, and Queensland.
In Wales, Day is a very common name, ranking in the top 50 of surnames. The same is true in Northern Ireland, with Day being the 83rd most common surname. It is slightly less common in the Republic of Ireland, where is is ranked just outside of the top 100 names.
Overall, the surname Day is quite common around the world. It is one of the most recognizable surnames in England, Canada, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with many individuals bearing the name in the United States and Australia, as well.
Variations of the surname Day
The surname Day is a common surname, originating in the United Kingdom and many other parts of the world. There are numerous variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. These spellings include Dey, Deigh, Dea, Dee, Dees, Dai, Dae and Daij.
The surname has also taken on many different forms of spelling in other countries, such as Dees in Germany and Days in France. It is also spelled as Daar in the Netherlands, Dawe in Denmark and Daae in Norway. In Wales it is spelled as Daeth.
The surname Day is also found throughout Ireland and Scotland and is thought to have originally been an amalgamation of numerous surnames. It is thought to have had its origin in the ancient names of Daye, de la Daye or de Day, which were derived from the old Norman French words “de” and “day” meaning “of the day”.
The variations or surnames adopted by the family over the years have been many and include O’Day, Dayes, Daze, Dazey, Daisey, Daecy, Dey, Deas, Deise, Deaise, Devy, Daays and Days. In Scotland, the family name descended from the clan of MacDey.
The name Day can also be Anglicized from surnames of other origins such as French, Spanish or Irish origins. It has also become Anglicized from Dai/Dae, which is originally a Welsh name. Anglicization of this name leads to Dae, Dea and Deah, which are all alternate spellings of Day.
Famous people with the name Day
- Doris Day: American actress, singer and animal rights activist
- Sammy Day: American actress, known for Not My Kid
- Tim Day: Australian professional skier
- Damon Day: American MLB pitcher
- Laura Day: American self-help author
- Chambers Day: American MLB player
- Tommy Day: English singer and actor
- Aden Day: New Zealand land surveyor
- Lilian Day: English actress
- Jim Day: American MLB catcher
- Eugenie Day: American screenwriter, director, producer, and animator
- Lauren Day: Australian Olympic athlete
- Rex Day: Australian rules footballer
- Mary S. Day: American suffragist
- Reb Day: Canadian comedian
- Jon Day: British diplomat
- Crystal Day: American professional wrestler
- Kelli Day: American actress
- Scarlet Day: British actress
- Paul Day: English sculptor