Surname Fey - Meaning and Origin
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Rediscovering Family Roots Through iGENEA: An Emotion-Filled Journey into the Fey Surname
Taking the iGENEA DNA test has reshaped my understanding of my family and the surname 'Fey', uncovering unexpected Celtic links against the belief of a strict German lineage. The journey from anticipation to enlightenment helped me to truly accept and appreciate my roots.
D. Fey
read moreFey: What does the surname Fey mean?
The surname Fey is atypical one with several possible origins and interpretations. It is often considered to have German origins, deriving from the Middle High German word "vēhe" that means "deer". It was largely used as a nickname for a quiet and gentle person, much like the characteristics of a deer.
In addition to this, the surname Fey might also have a British origin and was often used as a nickname for someone of a cheerful or joyful disposition, deriving from the Middle English word "fey" which means joyful or pleasant.
Alternatively, Fey can also have Nordic origins from the old Norse word "fe" meaning cattle or sheep. In this context, it was likely an occupational surname used to describe a keeper of cattle or sheep.
Regardless of its origins, the surname Fey is widely spread across Europe, especially in Germany and the United Kingdom. It became internationally recognized mainly due to the American actress, comedian, and writer Tina Fey.
Order DNA origin analysisFey: Where does the name Fey come from?
The surname Fey is of German origin and it is derived from the Middle High German "veie," meaning "fairy" or "elf." This could suggest that the name was initially given to someone who had a light, sprightly or whimsical character or a person who played the part of a fairy or an elf in a pageant or play. The name has several spelling variations including Feh, Fay, Vey, and others. It is common in Germany and the United States today. Notably, American comedian and actress Tina Fey is a well-known personality with this surname. Despite its German origin, the surname is not very common in Germany today, as it's ranked as the 5,700th most common name. In the United States, it ranks 13,265th. This data suggests that while it might be seen regularly due to Ms. Fey's influence in popular culture, the surname is not that common in either country.
Variations of the surname Fey
The surname Fey has several variants and is known to originate from different roots including German, Jewish, Dutch, and English. Fey primarily means "fated to die" or "doomed" in old English. But similarly spelled names have different meanings in cultures and languages.
Variations of the Fey surname include De Fey, Fei, Feh, Feay, Feye, Feyen, Feyf, Feys, Feyz, and Feyt. There are also the phonetic variants such as Fehy, Fie, and Feye. Some consider 'Fay' as a variant of Fey, however in English and French origins, this surname may be derived from the word fairy.
In some German regions, particularly in Lower Saxony and Westphalia, Fey is a pet form of the personal name "Veit", equivalent to English "Guy”. Hence, the surnames Veit, Veidt, and Voight could also be related to Fey.
In Jewish (Ashkenazic) culture, Fey is a shortened form of various compound names such as Feitman or Freiman. Similarly, it might be abbreviated form of "Vital", meaning life-giving, which was often given to sickly infants.
In terms of spelling, it may differ from country to country. In German, it is written as "Feh" and in UK regions such as Somerset, Devon, it appears mostly as "Fey".
Famous people with the name Fey
- Tina Fey: Emmy award-winning comedian, actress, producer, and screenwriter, best known for her work on Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock, and Mean Girls.
- Emily Fey: Daughter of Tina Fey, who had also made several appearances on TV.
- Alice Zenobia Richmond: Daughter of Tina Fey and her husband Jeff Richmond.
- Jeff Richmond: Although not having Fey as a last name, he is married to Tina Fey and he's a well-known composer, director, and producer.
- Peter Fey: A renowned Swiss footballer.
- Fey (singer): Fey is a Latin pop artist who was born María Fernanda Blázquez Gil. She is a Latin Grammy-nominated Mexican singer, songwriter, and actress, who uses Fey as her stage name.
- Don Fey: Tina Fey's father, known in his local community as a writer and veteran.