Surname MacAghy - Meaning and Origin
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MacAghy: What does the surname MacAghy mean?
The last name MacAghy is an anglicized Anglicized version of Mac Aodha, which is an ancient Irish surname. This is an Irish surname associated with a number of distinct clans, some of whom were able to trace their roots back to the 5th century. In the Gaelic language, Mac Aodha translates to the “son of Aodh”, with Aodh being an old Gaelic name meaning “fire”, suggesting an origin from a line of warriors.
The MacAghy surname is most commonly found in several locations in Ireland, Irish settlements in Scotland, and among the Irish diaspora. Georgia, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and New York are some of the largest locations for MacAghy families in the United States.
Through much of their history, the MacAghy clans have had long-standing associations with Ireland’s ruling Gaelic elite. Those who held the surname were an integral part of the Irish legal system. Following the domination of the Normans in the 13th century, many of the MacAghy clans scattered and migrated to other regions and countries.
Today, MacAghys continue to live in many different regions of the world. Though the name may not have the same significance now as it once had, it still symbolizes a long, proud heritage and a unique connection to the history of the Irish people.
Order DNA origin analysisMacAghy: Where does the name MacAghy come from?
The last name MacAghy is most commonly found in Ireland today. This surname originates from County Monaghan, and the Clan MacAghy is the oldest recorded of all of the Irish clans. Most MacAghy families are part of the Ulster Irish heritage, hailing from the ancient Irish kingdom of Ulaid.
The surname MacAghy is also seen in Scotland, especially in the Hebrides. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname Mac Eachaidh, meaning "son of Eachaidh." During the 16th and 17th centuries in Scotland, Scottish families began anglicizing or adopting surnames to fit into the British court.
In the United States, MacAghy is most commonly found in states with large Irish populations, such as New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Maryland. It is also found in Canada, especially in the western provinces.
MacAghy is an uncommon surname in the rest of the world. Though not very common, it may be seen in Europe, Australia, South America, and some other countries as well.
Variations of the surname MacAghy
MacAghy is an Irish surname of which there are several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common spelling of the name is MacAghy, though other variations include MacAghee, MacAhee, MacAghie, McGoey, MacGoey, and McAghy.
The surname originated in County Antrim in Northern Ireland, where it is believed to have been adopted in the 12th century. It is derived from the Gaelic Mac Eachaidh meaning “son of Eachaidh”, with Eachaidh an ancient Irish personal name which translates to “horseman”.
Over time, some Irish families who bore the MacAghy surname began emigrating to other countries. As a result, the original spelling has seen slight variations and has been adapted to other languages. In Scotland, for example, the name can be seen as MacGoey, McGoey or MacGaw, while MacBOHEE and McGHEE are alternate spellings found in America.
The MacAghy family is known for its dedication to hard work, perseverance, and loyalty. In spite of changing times and different languages, it is still recognized and respected by many Irish and international communities around the world.
Famous people with the name MacAghy
- Nick MacAghy: American curler and coach, three-time USA Curling national champion.
- Jack MacAghy: American actor and film score composer, best known for his roles in 'Classic Hollywood' films.
- Robert MacAghy: Scottish soccer player, who won the Scottish Football League in 1882–83 and 1883–84.
- Colin MacAghy: Scottish rugby player, who played for the Scotland national team in 1887–89.
- David MacAghy: Canadian poet, playwright and actor, best known for his poems about nature, family and life in general.
- Brian MacAghy: Canadian politician and Member of the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly from 1993 to 2004.
- Norman MacAghy: Canadian artist, best known for his oil paintings of the Canadian landscape and his watercolour sketches of rural and urban life.
- Alan MacAghy: Northern Irish footballer, who made more than 200 appearances for Linfield FC.
- James MacAghy: Irish artist, best known for his landscapes and rural scenes.
- Heather MacAghy: Canadian actress and television presenter, best known for her roles in 'Sons of Butcher', 'Yuk Yuk's' and 'Sketch Fight'.