This is an interesting name of Medieval English origin and is a dialectal variant of the name Rye. It has two distinct possible sources, the first being that it is a topographical name for someone who lived on an island or a patch of marsh ground which is surrounded by marshland or fens. The derivation of this source is from a misdivision of the Middle English 12th Century phrase 'alter ye', meaning at the island. Alternately it is possible that it is a topographical name for a person living at a place where Rye was grown, or even an occupational name for someone who grew it, and is a derivation of the Old English pre 7th Century 'Ryge', meaning Rye: In the modern idiom the variants include Rey, Rye, Reay, Ray, R(a)yman, Raiman, Reaman and Reeman.
One John Rea (died 1681) a nursery gardener who published 'Flora, or a complete Florilege', is listed in the National Biography. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of William atte Rea, which was dated 1327, in the Subsidy Rolls Sussex, during the reign of King Edward 11, known as 'The Father of the Navy, 1327 - 1377. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
Of Savoyard origins, it should derive from nicknames originating from the term rey, "king", to indicate behavioral characteristics of the progenitor or to refer to episodes in which he occupied a particularly important place.
The surname Rey has lineages in Piedmont, in the Turin and Biella areas, and in the Aosta Valley
The history of the surname rey is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of rey. Research into the possible origins of rey leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname.
It is common for surnames like rey to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones. There is a considerable probability that rey has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where rey is most abundant are the following.
The historical journey of the surname rey can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of rey. The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named rey are found in every look back in the history of this lineage.
You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname rey, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames. It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of rey could be modified.
Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all reys who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname rey, even though not all have been documented to our present day. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname rey who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.
It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname rey. The bibliography collects information related to the surname rey, which allows us to learn more about its meaning.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of rey, and at the same time, of surnames in general.