Comey

The surname Comey is believed to have originated in England, likely in the late Middle Ages or early modern period. It is thought to be a variant spelling of the name "Comely," which was derived from the Old English word "cymlic," meaning "beautiful" or "handsome."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Comey can be found in the Subsidy Rolls of Staffordshire from 1327, where a certain William Comey is mentioned. This suggests that the name had already established itself in the region by the 14th century.

In the 16th century, the name appears in various records from the county of Somerset. For instance, a John Comey is listed in the Parish Registers of Chilton Polden in 1567. The variant spelling "Comy" can also be found in records from this time period.

During the 17th century, the name Comey began to spread to other parts of England, with records showing individuals bearing this surname in counties such as Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. One notable individual from this era was Thomas Comey (1575-1653), a prominent clergyman who served as the Vicar of Lydiard Tregoze in Wiltshire.

In the 18th century, the Comey name appeared in various parish records and other documents throughout England. One notable figure was John Comey (1714-1792), a successful merchant and landowner from Gloucestershire.

As the surname spread across England, it also found its way to other parts of the British Isles, including Ireland and Scotland. In the 19th century, individuals with the name Comey can be found in records from these regions, indicating the migration of families bearing this surname.

Several notable individuals with the surname Comey have made their mark throughout history. These include:

1. Arthur Comey (1831-1892), an English engineer and inventor who patented several improvements in steam engine design. 2. John Comey (1848-1924), a British architect known for his work on churches and other ecclesiastical buildings. 3. Emily Comey (1865-1941), an American educator and suffragist who advocated for women's rights and educational reform. 4. James Comey (born 1960), an American lawyer and former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from 2013 to 2017. 5. David Comey (born 1976), an English cricketer who played for Somerset County Cricket Club in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

While the surname Comey has undergone various spellings over the centuries, its origins can be traced back to the Old English word "cymlic," reflecting the beauty and handsomeness associated with the name's early bearers.