Surname Hoy - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling the Viking and Scottish Roots of my Surname Hoy Through iGENEA DNA Analysis
The discovery of my ancestral roots through the iGENEA DNA test was an enlightening experience, taking me back hundreds of years to the Viking era. The rich history and cultural significance of my surname, Hoy, was unfurled before me, uncovering our proud Scottish and Viking roots along with intriguing stories of ancient tribal warriors and seafaring exploits.
X. Hoy
read moreHoy: What does the surname Hoy mean?
The last name Hoy is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is a variant spelling of the surname "Hoyt". It is a habitational name derived from any of various minor places in England named with the Old English pre-7th century phrase "heah doh", which means "high hill".
The surname Hoy is most commonly found in the United States, especially in the Midwest and along the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic coasts. It is one of the most widely distributed English surnames in the United States, with more than 29,000 individuals bearing the name.
The Hoy surname is derived from the Old English words "ey" or "heah", which mean "island" or "high hill", respectively. The surname also indicates a location on higher ground. It is believed to have been first used as a patronymic, with the original holder of the surname indicating his place of birth by referring to his origin on a hill or on an island.
The name Hoy is very much associated with loyalty and stability. Those with this surname are said to be determined, courageous, and strong willed. In addition, they are believed to possess an unwavering commitment to their beliefs.
Overall, the surname Hoy is a proud family name with ancient roots dating back to the Anglo-Saxon era. It indicates a connection with high grounds and islands, and is associated with strength, determination, and loyalty amongst those who bear it.
Order DNA origin analysisHoy: Where does the name Hoy come from?
The name Hoy is thought to have origins in France, Britain, and Germany, and is rarely found in the United States. It is most commonly found today in Scotland, where it is a fairly common surname. The Scottish Hoy family can trace their lineage back to the 15th century, and terrritorial records from the early 1600s show landholders bearing the surname. There are four distinct branches of the Hoy family throughout Scotland, beginning in Aberdeenshire and extending westward across the country and into the Highlands.
Today, the most common Hoy family is in the area of Argyllshire, in western Scotland, where the surname remains most concentrated. Records from the 19th century indicate that the vast majority of those with the surname Hoy resided in the coastal county, as well as in the adjoining counties of Inverness-shire. The surname may also be found in other parts of the British Isles, such as in Ireland.
Additionally, there are instances of the name Hoy in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and elsewhere in the Commonwealth countries. There are also some families carrying the surname in North and South America, though its use it not as wide-spread here as it is in the other countries.
Variations of the surname Hoy
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Hoy are: Hoys, Hoysack, Hoyse, Hoysack, Hoyle, Hoye, Hoyles, Hoytek, Hy, Hya, Hyatt, Hyer, Hyers, Hey, Heys, Heysack, Heyse, Heysack, Hayle, Haye, Hayles, Hyotte, Hiotte, Heotte, Hiott, Hiott, Hiote, Hiott.
The surname Hoy is believed to have originated in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and is a toponymic or locational name. It may have derived from the name of various places throughout Britain, such as a parish located in Ayrshire, Scotland and called “Hoy” (also known as Hight), or Hoylake in Cheshire, England derived from Old English words having to do with a mound of sand. The slight variation in spelling over time to Hoy is also from the same source. Additionally, the surname may have come from the Gaelic word “Odhar” or “Odharach”, meaning dun, or from the Gaelic word “hoigh”, which is derived from the Old Norse word “hoh” and means projecting spur of a hill or bank.
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin provide evidence of the diverse ethnicity of Hod family origins. The surname in its modern spelling of Hoy has been passed down through many generations and is widespread throughout Ireland, Scotland, England, America, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Famous people with the name Hoy
- Bill Hoy: Actor and Radio Host
- Dennis Hoy: Footballer and Football Manager
- Arturo Hoy: Boxer
- Kyle Hoy: Ice Hockey Player
- Robert Hoy: Actor
- Victoria Hoy: Professional Softball Player
- William Hoy: Baseball Player
- Eddy Hoy: Musician
- Robert Hoy: American Artist
- Melinda Hoy: Radio Presenter
- Timothy Hoy: Diver and Olympic Silver Medalist
- Richard Hoy: American Film and Television Actor
- Charles Hoy: British Actor
- Elspeth Hoy: Actress
- Joseph Hoy: US Congressman
- Owen Hoy: Comic Books Artist and Illustrator
- Teresa Hoy- Professional Chef
- Donal L. Hoy: Retired US Air Force Colonel
- Nancy Hoy-Radics: Singer-Songwriter
- Matt Hoy: Politician