Find out how popular the last name DeVay is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named DeVay.

DeVay, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the DeVay surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of DeVay in America

DeVay is the 150436th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The DeVay surname appeared 100 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname DeVay.

The history of the last name DeVay

The surname Devay has its origins in Central Europe, predominantly within the borders of modern-day Hungary. Etymologists trace the surname back to the medieval period, around the 12th or 13th century. The name Devay is believed to have derived from the Hungarian word "dévai," meaning "from Déva," indicating that it likely referred to someone originating from this town or region. Déva itself is located in present-day Romania, historically part of the Kingdom of Hungary, and is known for the significant Deva Castle, which dates back to the 13th century.

Early historical references to the name Devay are sparse but notable. One of the earliest mentions appears in the records related to the ecclesiastical and noble estates of Hungary, specifically around the region of Transylvania. The surname was common among noble families and those who held significant land and social standing in the area. Ancient documents, such as land grants and legal transactions, mentioned individuals with the surname in various spellings, including Deva and Dewe.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name is Mátyás Devay, a prominent figure in Hungarian history born around 1505 and died in 1547. Mátyás Devay was a noted Hungarian Reformer and theologian who played a crucial role in the Protestant Reformation in Hungary. His works and translations significantly influenced the spread of Protestant ideas in medieval Hungary.

Another historical figure was Ferenc Devay, a nobleman who lived in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. His contributions to regional politics and his landholdings in Transylvania provided significant influence during his time. Records show that Ferenc Devay was involved in several political treaties, reflecting the surname's prominence in historical documents.

In the 18th century, Count István Devay established himself as a military leader and diplomat. Born in 1720 and dying in 1797, István Devay served in various campaigns for the Habsburg monarchy. His strategic military leadership and diplomatic missions strengthened his reputation, and his name appears in numerous military and diplomatic records of the time.

Another notable individual was János Devay, an intellectual and scholar born in 1809 and deceased in 1887. He was known for his extensive literary works and contributions to Hungarian education. His writings, often published under the pen name "J. Dewe," played a significant role in the cultural movements of 19th century Hungary.

In the early 20th century, Réka Devay made her mark as a significant political figure. Born in 1885 and dying in 1943, Réka Devay was active in the Hungarian independence movement and worked tirelessly for social reforms. Her advocacy for women's rights and suffrage brought her name into the political and social reform debates of the period.

Throughout history, the surname Devay has been associated with notable figures in various fields, from religious reforms and military leadership to literature and social advocacy. These individuals' contributions have left an enduring legacy reflected in the historical records and cultural impact of their times.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name DeVay

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname DeVay.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for DeVay was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name DeVay was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of DeVay, please contact us.

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