Laya Name Meaning, Origin and Heraldry

The same name, two spellings: Laya and Lay. The name is usually explained as “Clearing, meadow”. Before spelling was fixed, Lay was also written Laya. Census takers and immigration officers often wrote what they heard. Related forms: Laye.

In the 2010 US Census, 368 Americans gave Laya as their last name (rank 55,741). French birth records list 124 children named Laya between 1891 and 2000. Births ran at 9 in 1891–1900 and 9 in 1991–2000. Names that sound alike, such as Loya, are easily confused in old records.

Heraldry is personal: arms associated with the Lay surname were borne by specific families, and sharing the name does not mean sharing the blazon. Research your Laya family history with a full surname report and painted coat of arms.