| ![Show Contents]() Fays History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
France
Ireland
Etymology of FaysWhat does the name Fays mean? The Irish name Fays has a long Gaelic heritage to its credit. The original Gaelic form of the name Fays is Ó Fathaigh, derived from the word "fothadh," meaning "foundation." 1 Early Origins of the Fays familyThe surname Fays 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 Fays familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Fays research. Another 55 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Fays History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Fays Spelling VariationsThe recording of names in Ireland during the Middle Ages was an inconsistent endeavor at best. Since the general population did not know how to read or write, they could only specify how their names should be recorded orally. Research into the name Fays revealed spelling variations, including Fahey, Fahie, Fahy, Fay, O'Fahey, O'Fahy, Vahey and many more. Early Notables of the Fays familyMore information is included under the topic Early Fays Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Fays familyA great mass of Ireland's native population left the island in the 19th century, seeking relief from various forms of social, religious, and economic discrimination. This Irish exodus was primarily to North America. If the migrants survived the long ocean journey, many unfortunately would find more discrimination in the colonies of British North America and the fledgling United States of America. These newly arrived Irish were, however, wanted as a cheap source of labor for the many large agricultural and industrial projects that were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest nations in the western world. Early immigration and passenger lists indicate many people bearing the Fays name: Daniel Fahay, who settled in Philadelphia, Pa. in 1860; Peggy Fahee, who settled in New York State in 1846; Daniel, James, John, Michael, and Patrick Fahey, who arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860.
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.
- MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland. Ireland: Irish Academic Press, sixth edition, 1985. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2366-3)
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