What does the surname Hay mean?

Hay, and its variants Hayes and Haig can be toponymic in origin, taken from any of various settlements in England, France and Scotland named “The Hedges”, “The Enclosed Land” or “The Woodland Clearing”, and thus ultimately from the Old English heg (“hedge”) or Middle English hey, haye (“enclosure”). Other theories of the name’s origin have been suggested, however these are less widely supported.

The surname Hay derives from the early 12th century when it was originally found as a locational name in the west of Scotland, from lands so named in the county of Perth, Scotland. The spelling of the name has developed over the centuries and includes: Hay, Hey, Hee and, Haig, and Hayes.

The Hays family of Erroll in Perthshire, Scotland, originated in Normandy, France, and settled there in the 12th century, and are descendants of William de Haga. The Norman family were granted the territory of Erroll by King William I. The Hays of Erroll rose to prominence in Scotland, and held the hereditary title of High Constable of Scotland from 1315 until 1745, when the Jacobite Rebellion resulted in the forfeiture of the title. The Earls of Erroll remain the chiefs of the Clan Hay, and the Hays family motto, “Serve the King” dates from 1314.

Variations to the surname Hay include Haye, Hey, Haig and Hayes.