Surname MacCaffrey - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacCaffrey: What does the surname MacCaffrey mean?
The last name MacCaffrey originated in Ireland and Scotland and is thought to be derived from any one of several Gaelic surnames, such as MacCorry, MacCawry, or MacCorry. It is also thought to be connected to the Irish and Scottish name MacFheradh, derived from the Gaelic fercher meaning "man, hero".
The surname MacCaffrey is associated with Celtic roots, but is mainly found in the British Isles and also in the United States where it is concentrated in the state of Pennsylvania.
Some notable individuals bearing the surname MacCaffrey include Canadian author Marjorie MacCaffrey, American politician Diana MacCaffrey, and English engineer Frank MacCaffrey.
Essentially, the name MacCaffrey is derived from the Gaelic word ‘fercher’, which translates to mean bold or brave. Those with the surname often bear great courage and self-confidence, living their lives with a free-spirited, go-getter attitude.
Order DNA origin analysisMacCaffrey: Where does the name MacCaffrey come from?
The last name MacCaffrey is a common name found in Scotland, Ireland, and the US today. It is derived from the Scottish Clan MacTavish, and in Scotland the surname is frequently seen in and around the Highlands. In Ireland, MacCaffrey is found in Counties Roscommon and Monaghan.
In the United States, the last name MacCaffrey is most commonly found in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Texas, Arizona, Illinois, California, and Pennsylvania. The earliest appearances of the name were likely in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, as both states were settled in the 1600s.
MacCaffrey's can also be found in other countries around the world today, mainly in areas that have a strong Irish influence, such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The name is also present in smaller numbers in other parts of Europe, such as Germany, Spain, and Scandinavia.
Given its Scottish and Irish origin, it's not surprising to find the last name MacCaffrey in many areas that saw mass emigration from those countries, particularly in the 1800s when many of these immigrants left to seek out a better life elsewhere. Today, it is a fairly common Irish and Scottish surname that continues to enjoy wide acceptance worldwide.
Variations of the surname MacCaffrey
The variants, spellings and surnames of origin for the surname MacCaffrey include MacAffrey, MacAffry, MacCaffry, MacCaffrey, MacCaffrie, MacAffree, McAffrey, MacAffree, MacCaffrye, MacAffray, MacCaffree, and MacCaffray. All of these surnames originate from the Irish surname MacCaffrey and can be found in Ireland, Scotland, and other Celtic countries.
The surname MacCaffrey is derived from the Gaelic Mac Caffaigh, which is a form of the patronymic sept name meaning "son of Caffaigh." Caffaigh was a shortened form of the personal name Cathfhagha, which translates to "battler" or "warrior." The surname can also be found in various spellings such as MacAffray, MacFrey, MacFreym, MacFray, MacFreet, MacFraye, MacFry, MacFrie and MacFrym.
Traditionally, the surname MacCaffrey was given to Irish Catholic families who were descended from the ancient Irish clans known as the Uí Neill and Uí Briain. These clans were descended from Niall of the Nine Hostages, an Irish chieftain who was also one of the High Kings of Ireland in the 5th century.
The surname was most commonly found in the counties of Donegal, Tyrone, and Limerick. In recent years, many MacCaffrey families have migrated to other countries, particularly America, Australia, Canada, and England. In doing so, many different spellings and surname variations have been adopted by the MacCaffrey family.
Famous people with the name MacCaffrey
- Maureen MacCaffrey: American actress
- Tom MacCaffrey: American soldier and activist
- Jack MacCaffrey: Former Irish footballer
- Roe MacCaffrey: Owner of Illusions Studio in Chicago
- Jimmy MacCaffrey: Ex-footballer from Northern Ireland
- Kieran MacCaffrey: Professional rugby player from Ireland
- Aidan MacCaffrey: Gaelic footballer from Ireland
- Richard MacCaffrey: Retired politician from Ireland
- Manus MacCaffrey: Northern Irish actor
- Maria MacCaffrey: British singer-songwriter