Surname MacAnabb - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacAnabb: What does the surname MacAnabb mean?
The surname MacAnabb is an Ancient Irish surname of Scottish origin. In Irish, the word “mac an abba” translates to “son of the abbot.” Historically, this surname was used to denote someone who was the descendant of an abbot or high-ranking clergy member. The Clan MacAnabb is believed to have descended from an abbot of a monastery in Ireland in the 5th century. This clan is thought to have been of O'Neil Stock, who are descended from the royal house of the 3rd century High Kings of Tara.
Over time, the Clan MacAnabb spread throughout Scotland, taking their name along with them. During the 1745 Jacobite Uprising, members of the MacAnabb clan fought alongside Bonnie Prince Charlie. By the 1800s, some members of the clan had immigrated to the United States, settling primarily in Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey.
The Clan MacAnabb continues to exist today as a vibrant community of Scottish descendants, with members organizing Clan Gatherings, attending Highland Games, and celebrating their Scottish heritage. MacAnabb’s may also be members of the Clan MacAnabb Society, an organization that is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and promoting knowledge and history of the MacAnabb family.
Modern day MacAnabb’s continue to honor their Irish and Scottish heritage and the rich history of their clan. The Clan MacAnabb is a reminder of how family identity can remain strong throughout changing times and cultures.
Order DNA origin analysisMacAnabb: Where does the name MacAnabb come from?
The last name MacAnabb is most common today in Scotland and Ireland where it originated. It first became popular in Scotland during the late 16th century, when surnames grew in popularity and people began taking on last names to differentiate themselves. The name MacAnabb is an Anglicized version of the Gaelic name Mac an Aba, which translates to “son of the abbot.” It likely was given to people with familial ties to an abbot or monastics. In Scotland, it is more frequently found near the area of Inverness-shire, along the northern coastline and islands in the Inner Hebrides, and around the Isles of Skye and Lewis, where most of the population is of Scottish-Gaelic heritage. The surname has spread beyond Scotland and is found mostly in the United Kingdom and countries with strong ties to Scotland and Ireland where the Gaelic version of the name, Mac an Aba, is also recorded. The English variation of the name, which is popular in Australia, is usually spelled McNabb and frequently seen in New South Wales. In the United States, the name is most commonly found in states where there is a heavy Scottish influence, such as Wisconsin and South Carolina.
Variations of the surname MacAnabb
The MacAnabb surname has many variants and spellings due to the many spelling changes which have happened over time. Common spellings of the surname include MacAnabb, MacInabb, MacAnab, MacInab, MacAnabbe, MacInabbe, M'Inabb, and M'Anabb.
The MacAnabb surname is an Irish clan that originated in County Donegal. It's an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Aonghusa, meaning "son of Angus". The MacAnabb name is associated with the branches of the O'Donnell family and later spread to other parts of Ireland and Scotland. It is also found in England and the United States.
The variants of the MacAnabb surname are generally pronounced the same, such as MacAnab and MacInab. However, there are subtle regional differences in the translation and pronunciation of the MacAnabb name. In Scotland, the prefix Mac is pronounced “muh-k” while in Ireland it is typically pronounced “mah-k”.
The various spellings and variants of the MacAnabb surname are often confused with other families with similar surnames. Specifically, this includes the surnames McDonnell, McEnally, McConell, McAnnally, and McConley.
The MacAnabb clan has a history that stretches back hundreds of years and is still carried on today. Despite various spellings over time, the goal of the MacAnabb family is not only to preserve their heritage but also to find out more about their family history, their Scottish and Irish roots, and what stories and experiences those roots carry with them.
Famous people with the name MacAnabb
- Dave Macanabb: Canadian ice hockey coach and former player
- Alan Macanabb: English actor, comedian, writer, and producer
- Brodie Macanabb: Canadian Olympic medalist and four-time world champion in women's freestyle skiing
- Josh Macanabb: Grammy-nominated record producer
- John Macanabb: an American lawyer and judge
- Terrell MacAnabb: American actor and stand-up comedian
- Kenneth MacAnabb: former Secretary of the Navy
- Shane MacAnabb: American professional baseball player
- Bobby Macanabb: American professional boxer
- MacAnabb Brothers: rock band comprised of brothers Dave, Brodie and Alan Macanabb