Surname Mac Hale - Meaning and Origin
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Mac Hale: What does the surname Mac Hale mean?
The last name Mac Hale is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic phrase “Mac Aodhghail” which translates to “son of Aodhghail”. Aodhghail comes from the Gaelic word “aodh”, which translates to “fire”. It’s believed that the Mac Hale surname is derived from a specific family who lived in County Mayo centuries ago and were descendants of the knight Aodhghail.
The traditional meaning of the Mac Hale surname comes from the words “mac”, meaning “son” and “haile”, meaning “helpful”. So, the literal translation implies that the family were known as “helpful sons” and was likely a reference to their generous and kind nature.
Historically, the Mac Hale surname can be found throughout much of Ireland, often in counties near the western coast. The surname has also spread to other countries through recent immigration. Today, the name is most frequently associated with people from Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland.
Overall, the Mac Hale surname speaks to a rich history of Irish ancestry and has important implications for those who bear the name. Not only does it speak to an ancient family from centuries ago, but it reveals the important traits of charitable and helpful behavior.
Order DNA origin analysisMac Hale: Where does the name Mac Hale come from?
The last name Mac Hale is most commonly found in Ireland, particularly in counties Cork, Limerick, and Galway. According to surname distribution data from Forebears, which sources records from an estimated census population of over 150 million people, approximately 1,020 people worldwide currently carry the surname Mac Hale.
In the United States, Mac Hale is most common in the states of Massachusetts and Connecticut. It is also found in other English-speaking countries including Australia, Canada, and England.
Clan MacHale is a Irish clan originally based in the west of Ireland in the region now known as Connaught. The clan was one of the four chief Clanns in the area which included Clan Duggan, Clan O'Kelly, and Clan O'Jording. They claim to have descended from the legendary Irish king Niall of the Nine Hostages.
Historically, the Mac Hale clan made their living as farmers and craftsmen, and they were known for their bravery and loyalty. From as early as the eleventh century, members of the Mac Hale family had a presence in the Connaught area. In the sixteenth century, the English military began to take over large regions of rural land owned by Mac Hale and other Irish clans, leading to displacement across the country.
Today, the influence of the Mac Hale clan is less apparent as members of the family spread to different parts of Ireland and beyond. Nevertheless, Mac Hale has become a distinctly Irish family name, and its presence continues to be felt in the modern world.
Variations of the surname Mac Hale
The surname Mac Hale has a few variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin from both Irish and Scottish Gaelic.
In Irish Gaelic, the surname Mac Hale has the variant spellings of Mac Aodha or Mac Eoghain. In its Irish form, the surname Mac Hale ultimately derives from the personal name Eogan.
In Scottish Gaelic, the surname Mac Hale has the variant spellings of Mac Eallaidh or Mac Eilidh. In its Scottish form, the surname Mac Hale ultimately derives from the personal name Hal.
Common surnames derived from the surname Mac Hale include Mac Eoin, Mac Hessian, Mac Illeathain, Mc Alehane, Mc Ailin, Mc Auliffe, Mc Hales, Mc Hayle, Mc Helish, Mc Illahee, McHale and McHail. The surname and its variants are often found in various locations around Ireland and Scotland, including Galway, Ayrshire, and Mayo.
Famous people with the name Mac Hale
- Camilla MacHale: professional sportswoman, advocate, government worker, and entrepreneur.
- Jamie MacHale: professional soccer player and coach.
- Stephen MacHale: British politician who served in the House of Commons from 1868 to 1880.
- Pat MacHale: American comic book writer and penciler for Marvel and DC Comics.
- John MacHale: Irish Roman Catholic Archbishop of Tuam, Ireland, from 1835 to 1881.
- Keith MacHale: English author, illustrator, and screenwriter, best known for writing and illustrating the novels The Rabbit Balloon and Surviving the Holidays.
- George MacHale: English character actor who appeared in films during the 1940s and 1950s.
- Zoe MacHale: British actress best known for her roles in The Bill and Doctors.
- David MacHale: Gaelic footballer and defender who played for Mayo GAA and Scotland U21's.
- Matt MacHale: American voice actor and television show narrator, best known for his work in the Danny Phantom and The Fairly OddParents series.