This interesting surname has two possible origins. Firstly, it may be a derivation of the English locational name Wye, a place in Kent, from the Olde English pre 7th Century word "weoh", a pagan temple. Due to pronunciation variations the name was probably recorded as "Vye" instead of "Wye". From this source, the name is first recorded in the Hundred Rolls of Kent in 1275, when one Hugh de Wy is mentioned. Secondly, it could also be a variation of Guy, an English name from the Germanic personal name "wido", from the Olde English "widu", wood. "Guy" was popular among the Normans in the form of "Wi" and "Why" as well as in the rest of France in the form of "Guy". Guy may also have its origin from the Old French "Gui", an occupational name for a guide. The surname from this source, dates back to the 12th Century (see below). Recordings from London Church Registers include: the marriage of Mary Vey and Knibhler Chamberlaine on June 9th 1659, at St. Dunstan's, Stepney; the marriage of Jane Vye and John Alcott on July 19th 1659, at St. Peter's, Paul's Wharf; and the marriage of Mary Vye and Thomas Yates on April 4th 1682, at St. Marylebone, St. Mary Street. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Richard W., which was dated 1188, in the "Pipe Rolls of Oxfordshire", during the reign of King Henry 11, known as "The Builder of Churches", 1154 - 1189. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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