Surname Harkey - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'H'
Harkey: What does the surname Harkey mean?
Harkey is a surname of English origin. It is believed to be derived from the Old English words 'har', meaning gray or old, and 'key', which is synonymous with the Middle English word 'kaye', meaning quay or wharf. Hence, the surname Harkey could have referred to someone who lived by a gray wharf or old quay. Alternatively, it could be a variation of the Norman surname 'Arcy', brought to England after the Norman Conquest in 1066. As surnames evolved over time and were influenced by local dialect and geographical locations, 'Arcy' could have transformed into various forms, including Harkey. However, the precise meaning of the Harkey surname may vary across individuals and families, depending on their genealogical history. It is always advisable to check specific family histories for accurate information regarding the surname's origin and meaning.
Order DNA origin analysisHarkey: Where does the name Harkey come from?
The surname Harkey is of German origin. It might have been an occupational name for a maker or player of harps which is derived from the Middle High German word "harfe" meaning "harp". Alternatively, it could be a patronymic, originating from Harkin, meaning "Little Henry".
It's also believed that the name might be of English origin from Old English personal name ‘Hereca’ or from a place name, Horkesley, a village in Essex. After the arrival of the Normans in 1066, the English language was supplemented by Old French elements, one of which was the given name "Herke.".
In the 1940 US Census, Harkey was most common in Texas, followed by North Carolina and Oklahoma. However, it should be noted that surnames like Harkey can be found in different communities across the globe due to migration and the effects of globalization. They can also be influenced by the local language or dialect, resulting in different spellings or variations of the same original surname. Information about its current prevalence can be retrieved from recent census data.
Variations of the surname Harkey
The surname Harkey is of European origin and has variants that reflect its transnational history and development. This surname has undergone changes due to factors like immigration, regional accents, and spelling errors. Variants of this surname can include Harke, Harkie, and Harkee, all of which keep the core phonetic sound of the original surname.
Further variations of the name can add additional letters or modify spelling, such as in Harkay or Harky. The surname could also be extended to include a prefix or suffix, resulting in names like deHarkey or Harkeyson.
Harkey could also be a shortened version of a longer name, such as Harkeyson or Harkeysen. In some cases, letters might be switched or misinterpreted, giving rise to versions like Hakery or Hareky.
As for related surnames of the same origin, it's likely that Harkey could be connected to other names with the "Har" or "Key" elements. Harkey might be a derivation of names like Harkins, Harker, or Harvey. Similarly, it might be connected to names like Keyes, Keyser, or McAree. But, without concrete evidence, these are mainly speculative. Family history and genealogical research would provide more accurate associations.
Famous people with the name Harkey
- David Harkey: He is a celebrated magician and author known for his unique blend of magic and mentalism. He has also invented several magic tricks.
- Gary Harkey: He is a notable country music singer, known for his contributions to the genre in the 1960s.
- Steve Harkey: He is a retired American football player who was a running back for the Atlanta Falcons in the late 1970s and early '80s.
- Mike Harkey: He is a retired professional American baseball player, who primarily served as a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs and later for the California Angels, Colorado Rockies, Oakland Athletics, and Los Angeles Dodgers. He is currently a pitching coach for the New York Yankees.
- Patti Harkey: She is a well-known American artist renowned for her vibrant landscapes and abstract paintings.
- Dwayne Harkey: He is an American business executive and entrepreneur, known for his leadership roles in major technology firms.
- Jeremy Harkey: An emerging American Screenwriter and Director, known for his independent works in Hollywood. It worth noting that this information is accurate as of 2021.