Surname Calvey - Meaning and Origin
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Calvey: What does the surname Calvey mean?
The last name Calvey means “wild goose” or “bold” in Gaelic. It is a common name in both Ireland and Scotland, and is believed to have its origins in the pre-Christian era. The name was most likely taken from the Gaelic word calpa, which means “brave” or “daring”.
Historically, the Calvey name originated in the south of Ireland in County Cork. According to records, the earliest reference to the Calvey name dates back as far as the 13th century. The Calveys were well known for their fighting frenzy in battles and often engaged in fierce combat to defend their ancestral land.
In Scotland, the Calvey name is prominent in the Argyll area, where it is believed that the name was brought over by Irish settlers. During Scotland’s turbulent wars with England in the 1300s, the Calveys were loyal to Robert the Bruce and fought fiercely against the English army. Their courage in battle was often spoken of in ancient legends.
Over the centuries, the Calvey name has spread to many countries, but its proud roots remain in Ireland and Scotland. The name carries with it a sense of adventure, courage and loyalty, making it a fittingly noble ancestral namesake.
Order DNA origin analysisCalvey: Where does the name Calvey come from?
The last name Calvey is most commonly found in English-speaking countries, such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and the United States. The origin of the Calvey surname is uncertain, although it could have either originated in French or Norman origins.
In the United States, the surname is most common in the states of Connecticut and New York. According to the 2000 US Census, there are 1,621 individuals with the surname Calvey living in the US. It is a relatively uncommon name, as it ranks 5,922 out of 88,799 surnames enumerated in the census.
In the United Kingdom, Calvey is most commonly found in Northern Ireland and is a relatively rare surname there. According to the 1881 UK census, there are only 134 people with the surname Calvey living in Northern Ireland at that time.
Ireland was the likely origin of many Calvey families. The earliest known Calvey family was from Ireland and had a family farm near Lusk, County Dublin in the 16th century. The family was amongst the top farmer in the area, and a portion of the proceeds of their land was paid as taxes to the Crown.
Today, Calvey is mostly associated with the 21st century Irish pop-singer Sean Calvey. Sean has released the singles "Midnight", "California", and "Run Away", and is best known for his song "Lose Control".
Variations of the surname Calvey
The surname Calvey is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic word “Cailbhe” meaning “valiant”. It is an ancient and noble surname, and its variants and spellings include Calvey, Calvie, Calvy, Caulvey, Caulvy, Caulvie, and Culvey.
Several branches of the Calvey family can also be found in England - both in Lancashire and around the Greater London area. This variation of the family name may have resulted from descendants of a Calvey family who had fled Ireland during the turbulent years of the 17th century.
This ancient family were known to be found as far back as the 13th century and many were involved in agricultural activities and lived within a few miles of the Calvey homestead in Doolin, Co. Clare, where they were surrounded by the rolling hills of the Burren and a rocky coastline of the Atlantic.
The Calvey name became established in the British Isles, and many of its modern-day variants may include Fusey, Quill, Quilver, Calfie, Kailvy, Kelfie, and Cavel.
The Calvey surname can also be found in Scotland where it evolved from the suffix of the Gaelic word “Calbhach” meaning soldier or champion. Here, the spelling of the name became Calvie and Caulvey, although the spellings have mostly been lost over the years.
Whether of Irish, English or Scottish origins, the variants of the Calvey surname all have the same strong, proud history. All members of the Calvey family can be proud of their rich and varied heritage.
Famous people with the name Calvey
- Dylan Calvey: American television producer.
- James Calvey: English rugby player.
- John Calvey: an Irish businessman.
- Darragh Calvey: an Irish actor.
- Mary Ellen Calvey: a philanthropist and community leader.
- Michael Calvey: the founder of Baring Vostok, a private equity firm.
- Shlomo Calvey: an Israeli artist.
- Patrick Calvey: an American actor.
- Francis Calvey: a British actor.
- Terence Calvey: an American architect.