Avey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• Ireland

Etymology of Avey

The Irish surname Avey originally appeared in Gaelic as "Mac Fhiodhbhuidhe," which is probably derived from the word "fiodhbhadhach," referring to "a woodman."

Early Origins of the Avey family

Early History of the Avey family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Avey research. Another 107 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1100 and 1563 are included under the topic Early Avey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Avey Spelling Variations

Within the archives researched, many different spelling variations of the surname Avey were found. These included One reason for the many variations is that scribes and church officials often spelled an individual's name as it sounded. This imprecise method often led to many versions. McEvoy, Evoy, McGilloway, McVeagh, McVeigh, McAvoy, McElwee, McElwy and many more.

Early Notables of the Avey family

More information is included under the topic Early Avey Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Avey Ranking

In the United States, the name Avey is the 15,932^nd most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1

Migration of the Avey family

Thousands of Irish families left for North American shores in the 19th century. These people were searching for a life unencumbered with poverty, hunger, and racial discrimination. Many arrived to eventually find such conditions, but many others simply did not arrive: victims of the diseased, overcrowded ships in which they traveled to the New World. Those who lived to see North American shores were instrumental in the development of the growing nations of Canada and the United States. A thorough examination of passenger and immigration lists has disclosed evidence of many early immigrants of the name Avey: James McKelvey, who arrived in Charles Town [Charleston], South Carolina in 1767; David McKelvey, who was naturalized in South Carolina in 1805; Hugh McKelvey, who was naturalized in Allegheny Co., PA in 1807.