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 Defy family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Defy Family History

Defy 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: Dery, Dey, Desy, Dean, Day, Rey, Dear, Hey, Dury, Ley

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

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Defy family from?

You can see how Defy families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Defy family name was found in the USA in 1920. In 1920 there was 1 Defy family living in Kansas. This was 100% of all the recorded Defy's in USA. Kansas had the highest population of Defy families in 1920.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Defy surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.

What Defy family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 108 census records available for the last name Defy. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Defy census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Defy

Passenger Lists

There are 2 immigration records available for the last name Defy. 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 Defy immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 1 military records available for the last name Defy. For the veterans among your Defy ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Defy military records

You've only scratched the surface of Defy family history

Discover More

What is the average Defy lifespan?

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Defy 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 Defy family tree

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