The name Kye has its origins in Old English and Old Norse languages, tracing back to the 5th to 11th centuries. It is derived from the Old English word "cy" or "cye", meaning "cow" or "bovine". This suggests that the name may have originally been associated with cattle herding or farming communities in the British Isles and Scandinavia during the early medieval period.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Kye can be found in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a historical record compiled in the late 9th century. The entry for the year 876 AD refers to a battle between the Danes and Saxons, where a warrior named Kye is mentioned as fighting alongside King Alfred the Great.

In the 12th century, the name Kye appears in the Icelandic Sagas, a collection of ancient Norse literature. The Saga of Grettir the Strong, written around 1180 AD, mentions a character named Kye Sölmundarson, who was a renowned Viking warrior and explorer.

During the Middle Ages, the name Kye was relatively uncommon but still found usage throughout various parts of Europe. One notable bearer of the name was Kye of Anjou, a French nobleman who lived in the 13th century and served as a knight in the court of King Louis IX.

In the 16th century, the name Kye gained some prominence in Scotland, where it was often spelled as "Kie". One famous Scotsman with this name was Kie Muir, a renowned philosopher and theologian who lived from 1532 to 1598 and was a professor at the University of Glasgow.

Another historical figure with the name Kye was Kye Grönvall, a Swedish military officer who lived from 1667 to 1734. He played a significant role in the Great Northern War, serving as a general under King Charles XII of Sweden.