Moy is a County Donegal name. It seems to be of dual origin.
It can be seen as having as native Irish origins. In a return made in 1751 by the parish priest of Stranorlar there were three O'Moyes.
However, Henry Moy an undertaker and incomer is found in the Plantation of Ulster. About the same time as the Plantation, there was a noted English pirate called Lambert Moye but it is thought possible, that he was of Irish descent. There are several place names in Ireland called Moy, one of which is in Co. Donegal, as well as the river in Co. Mayo, but it is not believed that the surname has a connexion with any of these.
The Gaelic Journal gave the Irish form as O'Muighe
It can be seen as having as native Irish origins. In a return made in 1751 by the parish priest of Stranorlar there were three O'Moyes.
However, Henry Moy an undertaker and incomer is found in the Plantation of Ulster. About the same time as the Plantation, there was a noted English pirate called Lambert Moye but it is thought possible, that he was of Irish descent. There are several place names in Ireland called Moy, one of which is in Co. Donegal, as well as the river in Co. Mayo, but it is not believed that the surname has a connexion with any of these.
The Gaelic Journal gave the Irish form as O'Muighe