An Irish and Scottish surname, Quay comes from the Gaelic term ‘aodh’ which was a form of the name ‘hugh’. Variations in spelling Quay include MacCoy, MacQuey, MacKye, MacKaw and MacQuoid. In Sutherland, Scotland the Scottish form of Quay first appeared. Later the greater populations were in Lanarkshire county. Many Quay families moved into Ireland and Australia during the 19th century. In England most Quay families remained in the northern regions in Northumberland, Cumberland and on the Isle of Man. Within the United States the Quay families are primarily in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New Jersey. Famous: Stephen Quay (movie film director) and Timothy Quay (movie film maker and animator).