This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Backey family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Backey Family History

Backey Surname Meaning

Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, and even physical characteristics (like red hair). Many of the modern surnames in the dictionary can be traced back to Britain and Ireland.


Similar surnames: Backer, Backe, Mackey, Buckey, Barkey, Beckey, Backen, Backes, Lackey

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Backey family from?

You can see how Backey families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Backey family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1840 and 1920. The most Backey families were found in USA in 1920. In 1891 there were 3 Backey families living in Devon. This was about 16% of all the recorded Backey's in United Kingdom. Devon and 2 other counties had the highest population of Backey families in 1891.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Backey surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What did your Backey ancestors do for a living?

In 1940, Laborer and Cook were the top reported jobs for men and women in the USA named Backey. 48% of Backey men worked as a Laborer and 34% of Backey women worked as a Cook. Some less common occupations for Americans named Backey were Salesman and Operator.

View Census Data for Backey | Data not to scale

*We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

United States shown, England data unavailable

Top Male Occupations In 1940

  • Laborer
    48%
  • Farmer
    28%
  • Truck Driver
    8%
  • Salesman
    8%

Top Female Occupations In 1940

  • Cook
    34%
  • Waitress
    34%
  • Operator
    34%

What Backey family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 1,000 census records available for the last name Backey. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Backey census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Backey

Passenger Lists

There are 164 immigration records available for the last name Backey. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Backey immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 226 military records available for the last name Backey. For the veterans among your Backey ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Backey military records

You've only scratched the surface of Backey family history

Discover More

What is the average Backey lifespan?

Between 1958 and 2004, in the United States, Backey life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1965, and highest in 2003. The average life expectancy for Backey in 1958 was 56, and 59 in 2004.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Backey

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Backey ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Backey family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial