Faye History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
The Irish name Faye has a long Gaelic heritage to its credit. The original Gaelic form of the name Faye is Ó Fathaigh, derived from the word "fothadh," meaning "foundation." 1
Early Origins of the Faye family
The surname Faye was first found in Galway (Irish: Gaillimh) part of the province of Connacht, located on the west coast of the Island, where they held a family seat from very ancient times.
Early History of the Faye family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Faye research. Another 55 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Faye History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Faye Spelling Variations
Irish names were rarely spelled consistently in the Middle Ages. Spelling variations of the name Faye dating from that time include Fahey, Fahie, Fahy, Fay, O'Fahey, O'Fahy, Vahey and many more.
Early Notables of the Faye family
More information is included under the topic Early Faye Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Faye Ranking
In France, the name Faye is the 1,112nd most popular surname with an estimated 4,900 people with that name. 2
Faye migration to New Zealand +
Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:
Faye Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
- Mr. Michael Faye, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Harkaway" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 2nd June 1857 3
Contemporary Notables of the name Faye (post 1700) +
- Randall Faye (1892-1948), American screenwriter, film producer, and director who wrote for 64 films between 1926 and 1947
- Julia Faye (1892-1966), stage name of Julia Faye Maloney, an American actress of silent and sound films, known for her appearances in more than 30 Cecil B. DeMille productions
- Frances Faye (1912-1991), American cabaret and show tune singer and pianist from Brooklyn, New York City, second cousin of actor Danny Kaye
- Alice Faye (1915-1998), born Alice Jeanne Leppert, an American actress and singer who starred in such films as On the Avenue (1937) and Alexander's Ragtime Band (1938)
- Gerald E. Faye, American Democratic Party politician, Candidate in primary for U.S. Representative from Michigan 2nd District, 1964; Candidate in primary for Michigan State Senate 18th District, 1974 4
- Alexander L. Faye, American Republican politician, Alternate Delegate to Republican National Convention from Hawaii Territory, 1956 4
- Steve Faye (1927-2023), British comedian and actor from Liverpool. He was known for his appearances on the television show The Comedians, which ran from 1971 to 1993
- Jean-Pierre Faye (b. 1925), French philosopher and writer of fiction and prose poetry
- Guillaume Faye (1949-2019), French political theorist, journalist, writer, and leading member of the French New Right
- Gaynor Faye (b. 1971), born Gaynor Kay Mellor, an English actress and writer, best known for playing Judy Mallett in Coronation Street from 1995 until 1999 and Megan Macey in Emmerdale from 2012 until 2019
- ... (Another 2 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
The Faye Motto +
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: Esperance
Motto Translation: Hope.
Citations +