The name Tye has its origins in the Old English language, deriving from the word "tīġe," which referred to a path or a narrow way through woods or fields. This word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic "tīgaz," meaning the same. The name likely emerged as a descriptive moniker for individuals who lived near or along such paths.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Tye can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as a surname of several landowners in various English counties. This suggests that the name had already been in use for some time before the Norman Conquest.

In the Middle Ages, the name Tye appeared occasionally in historical records, though it was not particularly common. One notable bearer was Tye de Aldeburgh, a 14th-century English composer and theorist, whose works were influential in the development of early Renaissance music.

During the Renaissance period, the name gained some popularity, with several individuals bearing it achieving notable status. Tye Rees (1499-1568) was a renowned Welsh physician and botanist, known for his pioneering work in the classification of plants.

In the 17th century, Tye Browne (1619-1674) was a prominent English politician and military leader who played a significant role in the English Civil War, serving as a colonel in the Parliamentarian forces.

Fast-forwarding to the 19th century, Tye Dillard (1840-1912) was an American politician who served as a U.S. Representative from Virginia from 1893 to 1895.

Another noteworthy figure was Tye Wilkins (1891-1968), a British artist and sculptor whose works were exhibited at prestigious institutions such as the Royal Academy of Arts in London.