Surname MacCaa - Meaning and Origin
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MacCaa: What does the surname MacCaa mean?
The last name MacCaa is a sept of the Clan Donald, which is one of the largest and most powerful Scottish clans. The clan can trace its roots back to the legendary Chief Somerled and the ancient Gaelic kingdom of Dal Riada. The name is derived from the Gaelic Mac Cathmhaoil, which translates to “Son of Cathmhaoil”.
Cathmhaoil was a Gaelic title for “the Spirit of Wisdom”, a name borne by a spiritual figure from the late 8th Century. This figure is said to be the ancestor of the centuries-old family of MacCaa’s who spread across Scotland.
The significance of the name “MacCaa” is that it can be used to trace the family history and personal connections to their ancestral home. The oral tradition of Clan Donald maintained the legacy of MacCaa throughout Scotland, in which generations would pass triumphs, defeats, and the family’s heroic history down through the generations.
Today, the name “MacCaa” is still associated with the Clan Donald and proudly represented by the many descendants of Cathmhaoil. Those with the surname MacCaa are believed to have a strong sense of pride and loyalty to their ancestors and their homeland in Scotland.
Order DNA origin analysisMacCaa: Where does the name MacCaa come from?
The last name MacCaa is associated with the Irish and Scottish surnames Mac an Chaoimh, and M’Caa. It was originally thought to have been derived from the Gaelic Mac Aodha meaning “son of Aodh,” and Aodh was a personal name that over time has been anglicized to Hugh.
The name MacCaa is most common today in both Ireland and Scotland, with the highest concentration of individuals bearing the name residing in Ulster, which is made up of the six counties of Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry.
In Scotland, the name MacCaa is slightly more widespread, with concentrations found throughout the Highlands and Borders regions. It is not unheard of to find individuals with the name outside of these regions, however these are more sparsely found.
In the U.S., there are sizable populations of individuals bearing the last name MacCaa scattered throughout the country, with the greatest concentrations found in major metropolitan cities, such as New York City, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Overall, the name MacCaa is still quite common today, appearing most prominently in the British Isles and North America.
Variations of the surname MacCaa
MacCaa is a Gaelic surname originating from Scotland, traditionally known as Mac Ghille Chathain in Gaelic. The surname is derived from the Gaelic word "cath", meaning battle.
The surname is spelled many different ways, from MacCaa to MacKaa and Makkah. Common spellings of the surname include MacCaa, MacKah, MacKeigh, MacKae, MacKeef, MacCah, and MacCahill. The most commonly seen variant of MacCaa is MacKay as well as its associated spellings Makay, MacKaay, MacKee, and MakKee.
Variants of the surname include MacCain, Makkin, Makin, MacKean, MacCann, MacKeen, MacKenzie, and MacKone. These variants are all based on the same Gaelic source as MacCaa and have similar etymological roots.
Williamson and Johnston are also variants of the same origin as MacCaa, and are derived from the same source. These variants originated in the British Isles and are derived from the same Gaelic phrase as MacCaa. Williamson is derived from the Gaelic phrase "Mac Uilleim", meaning "son of William". Johnston is derived from the Gaelic phrase "Mac Uilleim", meaning "son of John".
The Gaelic spelling of MacCaa is Mac Ghille Chathain, and this spelling can also be seen in other Gaelic surnames such as MacAleen, MacAnail, and MacAldam. In addition to the Gaelic spellings, MacCaa can also be seen spelled McCaa or McCah. These are Anglicized spellings of the Gaelic original Mac Ghille Chathain.
Famous people with the name MacCaa
- Angus MacCaa, Canadian actor best known for his roles in “Buckwild” and “The Next Step.”
- Eoin MacCaa, Irish footballer who played for Dublin sides Shelbourne and Bohemians.
- Tom MacCaa, American comedian and former writer for “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.”
- John MacCaa, Scottish actor best known for his role as Dougal in “Outlander.”
- Patrick MacCaa, Canadian actor and television personality.
- Ireland MacCaa, Australian public relations executive, media personality, and social media advocate.
- Siobhan MacCaa, Irish writer and editor, best known for the series “The MacCaa Chronicles.”
- Lorna MacCaa, Canadian director, producer, and actress, best known for the film “The Place Beyond the Pines.”
- Ian MacCaa, British actor who appeared in “Doctor Who” and “Sherlock.”
- Kevin MacCaa, American singer and songwriter, best known for the hit song “My Love.”