Way Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Way Name Meaning: This is a topographic name for somebody who lived near a road or path. Old english 'Weg'. Perhaps habitational from a minor place named with this word i.e Waye in Devon.

This English surname could be given to someone who resided near a road or path,or someone who belonged to a place named Way or Waye.

Discover how your Way ancestors earned their living and spread across the country. Find out more about your family history by using the Free Search box.

Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

Way Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Way family

Profession Census Frequency
Scholar 528
Agricultural Labourer 54
General Labourer 47
Dress Maker 45
Domestic Servant 40
Living On Own Means 37
Labourer 35
Living On Her Own Means 30
Laundress 25
General Servant Domestic 23
General Servant 22
Carpenter 20
Blacksmith 20
Farmer 19
Gardener 19
Farm Labourer 16
Butcher 15
Farm Servant 15
Bricklayer 14
Charwoman 13
Tailor 13
Errand Boy 12
Painter 12
Servant 11
General Domestic Servant 10

Way Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 Way 100% 25,241
2 Wye 33% 2,885
3 Weigh 20% 1,068
4 Wey 67% 808
5 Waye 75% 741
6 Waigh 40% 272
7 Whay 75% 163
8 Away 75% 136
9 Weay 75% 126

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The surname Way is the most popular version of all its varients

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