Surname Macabrey - Meaning and Origin
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Macabrey: What does the surname Macabrey mean?
The last name Macabrey or Macabré [Franche-Comté] is thought to derive from a Gallo-Roman personal name, Mac ingabrius. This speculation is based on the existence of the surname Maingabri in Normandy during the 17th century, and the fact that the Macabrey/Macabré family originated in the French region of Franche-Comté.
By about the 11th or 12th centuries, the family settled on a hilltop at Ramonchamp, near the city of Épinal, and accumulated property in the area. They began to be referred to as the “Gens Macabré de Ramonchamp” or “Gens de Ramonchamp” in the records and set up fortifications around the hilltop.
Today, it is believed that the name Macabrey/Macabré originates from the word macabre, which has French roots and has come to mean a mixture of horror and fascination arising from a contemplation of mortality. This can be interpreted as an indication of the military or aggressive nature of the Macabrey/Macabré family.
There is evidence to suggest that variations in spelling, such as Macabre, Macabray, Macabraye, and Macabré, have existed since medieval times, suggesting that the modern spelling of the name could be relatively recent.
The ancient and distinguished surname of Macabrey/Macabré is steeped in history and culture, and is still carried by many of its descendants today.
Order DNA origin analysisMacabrey: Where does the name Macabrey come from?
The last name Macabrey/Macabré originated in Franche-Comté, an area now within France's eastern border. Historically, many of the residents of Franche-Comté possessed the Macabrey/Macabré surname. Although the precise origins of the name are unknown, some speculate it is derived from a regional term for mace "tapper" as many of the people with this name were farm workers.
Today, the Macabrey/Macabré surname is commonly found across France, particularly in Franche-Comté. Outside of France, the surname can also be found in the United States, Canada, and parts of South America. In the United States, the name is primarily found in Louisiana, where many French speakers immigrated during the 1700s, but also in other states across America. There is also a notable presence of the name in Canada, particularly in Quebec where a percentage of the population is of French descent.
The Macabrey/Macabré surname is a testament to Franche-Comté's long-standing connection to France, and it is evidence of Franche-Comté’s impact on French culture worldwide. The name carries with it the history and culture of a region and blends stories of individuals crossing borders to seek new homes. To this day, Macabreys and Macabrés maintain their connection to Franche-Comté through the name which marks them, forever connecting them to their family's history.
Variations of the surname Macabrey
Macabrey and Macabré are variants of the French-Comté surname. Spelling variations of the surname include Makabry, Macabrée, Makabré, Makabre, Makabree, Makabray, Macabry, Macabre and many more. Surnames with the same origins may also be found with the spellings Macabray, Macabraye, Macabre, Macabré, Macabréy and Makabre.
The original form of the surname Macabrey/Macabré is most likely derived from the Old French word macaber meaning “somber” or “melancholy”. This term was applied to a person who tended to be glum or morbid in nature. It is also possible for this surname to be of French-Flemish origin, and used as an occupational name for a hair-dresser, as well as someone who made or sold hats.
Variations of the surname may also have evolved from an old French word mackcaller which means “butcher”. This surname could have been an occupational name for a butcher or an occupational name for a drover or cattle trader.
Alternate spellings and combination spellings of the Macaber/Macabré surname can include Macambra, Makabrera, Macabora, Macaboura, Makambray, Makambrée, Macambrae, Makambray, Macambray and many more. Other French-Comté surnames that were found with similar origins are Maccabres, Maccabre, Macqueron, Macquerre, Macaber and Macabers.
Famous people with the name Macabrey
1.James Macabrey: actor and producer known for his work in the TV series ‘Friends’ and ‘The Big Bang Theory’; 2.Jocelyn Macabrey: architect, professor, and founder of Macabrey & Partners; 3.Patricia Macabrey: musician and composer, known for her albums ‘1941- a tribute to the veterans’ and ‘Songs that touch me’; 4.Tiffany Macabrey: author, editor, and literary critic, who wrote and edited books on film in the 50’s and 60’s; 5.Raymond Macabrey: acclaimed photographer and teacher, whose works have been featured in many exhibitions; 6.Ella Macabrey: multi-award winning actress, known for her roles in movies including ‘The Last Samurai’ and ‘The Man in the Iron Mask’; 7.Garth Macabrey: renowned culinary chef and restaurateur, who cooked at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Scotland; 8.David Macabrey: successful entrepreneur and Web designer, and co-founder of MiDesign, a web and digital design company; 9.Shane Macabrey: professional martial artist, considered one of the top 5 fighters of his time; 10.Sarah Macabrey: internationally renowned opera singer, who has performed in theaters and opera houses around the world.