Start your family tree now Is your surname Shay?
There are already 116 users and 2,558 genealogy profiles with the Shay surname on Geni. Explore Shay genealogy and family history in the World's Largest Family Tree.

Shay Genealogy and Shay Family History Information

‹ Back to Surnames Index

Create your Family Tree.
Discover your Family History.

  • Build your family tree online
  • Share photos and videos
  • Smart Matching™ technology
  • Free!
view all

Profiles

About the Shay surname

origin

one source historically states the "shay" surname was originally "O Shea" and a variation of spellings from irish descent. The name dropped the "O" so it was not assocaited with irish descent and easier for people to find jobs. This would make sense considering you never see an "O" in anyone's last name who is an american. It appears the association with irish descent made it difficult in America to find jobs and you were judged so all early immagrants immediatly dropped the "O"