My family uses the "kuvey" pronunciation, which I've always assumed to be a midwestern laziness of tongue, as nearby "Covey's" originating from Illinois rather than New York were adament in utilizing the long "kovey" sound. We thought they were just "uppity", I guess. I'm afraid that I've never actually personally met another Covey that I wasn't closely related to I've assumed the name is English<Norman<Old French in derivation, and that it relates directly to the word "covey/couvee" rather in the context of a keeper of birds, or gathering of birds, much in the context of "gamekeeper". In other words, the most simplistic solution, although I've seen several references that claim the name is Irish in origin. I personally favor the "Couvee" pronounciation (similar to the "coo" of the dove or pigeon) , but I suggest that there are (nearly) as many pronounciations as there are "Coveys". Certainly you've all received mail in a hundred interpretations and variations of "Covey"! I'm certainly interested in the discussion, and would like to see a truely difinitive explanation of the origins of our surname. Joe Covey (Iowa)