| ![Show Contents]() Kays History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
The Kays surname is thought to have emerged from several different sources. In Northern England and Scotland, it comes from the Old Norse "ká," which meant "jackdaw." It also came from the Breton and Old Welsh word "Cai," and the Cornish word "Key," both of which meant "wharf." And, in some instances, this surname is no doubt derived from the Old English "Coeg," which meant "key." Early Origins of the Kays familyThe surname Kays was first found in Yorkshire, but the surname was also found in Lincolnshire, and Cambridgeshire as far back as the 13th century. One of the first records in Scotland was the Kae family of Croslats who were and "old family" of West Lothian. The Keay spelling was quite popular in Perthshire. Philip Qua was listed in Aberdeen in 1317 and Donald Ka was listed there too in 1399. Thomas Kaa was on an inquest taken at Berwick-on-Tweed in 1370. Patrick Ka was burgess of Linkithgow until his death in 1445. 1 The "Mac" prefix seems is difficult to clarify. Some Mackay (Macaoid) families may have shortened their name. Early History of the Kays familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kays research. Another 154 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1219, 1246, 1372, 1500, 1640 and 1704 are included under the topic Early Kays History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Kays Spelling VariationsSpelling variations of this family name include: Kay, Kaye and others. Early Notables of the Kays familyMore information is included under the topic Early Kays Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Kays RankingIn the United States, the name Kays is the 11,048th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 2  Migration of the Kays family to Ireland
Some of the Kays family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 37 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
| Kays migration to Canada | + |
Some of the first settlers of this family name were: Kays Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century- William Kays, aged 21, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the ship "Ward" from Limerick, Ireland
| Kays migration to Australia | + |
Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include: Kays Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century- Richard Kays, aged 29, a labourer, who arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship "Velocity"
| Contemporary Notables of the name Kays (post 1700) | + |
- Vernon W. Kays, American Republican politician, Alternate Delegate to Republican National Convention from Illinois, 1952 3
- Thomas Kays, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from New Jersey, 1876 3
- Henry Thomas Kays (b. 1878), American Democratic Party politician, Member of New Jersey State House of Assembly from Sussex County, 1913-15; Member of New Jersey State Senate from Sussex County, 1919-24 3
- Ellis Carl Kays (b. 1890), American Republican politician, Mayor of Petersburg, Indiana, 1939-43; Chair of Pike County Republican Party, 1941-44 3
- Blanche A. Kays, American politician, Member of Michigan Prohibition Party State Central Committee, 1947-51 3
| Historic Events for the Kays family | + |
SS Atlantic - Ann Kays, who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, died in the sinking
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Kynd Kynn Knawne Kepe
Motto Translation: Keep your own kin-kind.
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Kays migration to Canada 
Kays migration to Australia 
England
Scotland
Ireland
