Claye

Claye is a surname of English origin. It is thought to derive from a Middle English occupational name for a maker or seller of clay or clay goods, or from a topographical name for someone who lived near a clay pit. Variations in spelling can be found throughout historical records, including Clay, Claye, and Clayes. The surname is relatively uncommon.

Notable individuals who have borne the surname Claye include Richard Claye, an English footballer who played in the early 20th century, and Thomas Claye, a British soldier who received the Victoria Cross for his actions during World War I. The surname’s presence is most concentrated in the United Kingdom, though it can also be found in other English-speaking countries due to historical migration patterns. Genealogical research indicates a scattering of families with this surname across various English counties over the centuries. Further investigation into specific family histories would be required to trace individual lineages.