Surname MacCalshender - Meaning and Origin
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MacCalshender: What does the surname MacCalshender mean?
The MacCalshender surname is a variant of the MacCawley or MacCalley surname found in the Ulster Province of Ireland. The origin of the name MacCawley or MacCalley is thought to come from the Gaelic Mac Cathmhaoille, meaning “son of the fierce battle chief.” The name is most commonly found in the eastern area of Ulster known as the Glens of Antrim, where it was traditionally associated with the MacDonnells.
It is believed that the MacCalshender surname originated with the above family. The surname is a variant of the MacCawleys and MacCalleys, having been shortened to a more modern version. This is seen with other surnames derived from the Gaelic Mac Cathmhaoille, such as MacCauley and MacFarlane, where the original name was modified over time.
The MacCalshender surname is strongly associated with the unionist and Protestant communities of Ulster, a connection likely inherited from the MacDonnell Clan with whom the family is believed to be associated.
Today, the MacCalshender surname is still a common name in the Glens of Antrim, especially in the towns of Cushendall, Cushendun, Layde, and Glenaan. It is also found scattered throughout Northern Ireland, Britain, Australia, America, Canada, and New Zealand. People with the MacCalshender surname often take great pride in their heritage and strive to preserve the unique culture of the Ulster Province of Ireland.
Order DNA origin analysisMacCalshender: Where does the name MacCalshender come from?
The last name MacCalshender is most commonly found in North America, particularly in Canada and the United States. It is believed to be an Anglicized form of the Gaelic-Irish name Mac Amhalais , meaning "son of Amhall". Records of the name date back to the 11th century in Scotland and Ulster; however, the name is mostly likely much older given the time it takes for a surname to enter general usage.
The name is not extremely common even in North America, but there are several notable people with the name. A.J. MacCalshender Jr., a noted member of the U.S. Air Force, was awarded multiple decorations and medals for his service. The name also appears in the credits of several films as a music technical artist, such as the action movie The Island.
In the United States, the MacCalshender surname is primarily found in the states of Ohio, Alabama, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Virginia. In Canada, the name is most concentrated in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. Records show that many of those with the surname emigrated from Scotland, Ireland, and England in the 1700s and 1800s.
Given its relatively small presence in North America, it is likely that those with the MacCalshender last name remain closely related, with many tracing their ancestry back to the same source and being able to trace their family’s history across continents.
Variations of the surname MacCalshender
The surname MacCalshender is a variant spelling of the popular Irish surname MacCausland. The two surnames have the same Gaelic origin, Mac Aonghais Lamhdeir, which is Anglicized as MacCausland and MacCalshender. The name is derived from the first name Aonghas, which is most likely a Gaelic form of the name Angus, and the word ‘lann’ meaning ‘church’. The surname is most commonly found in Scotland, where it was originally derived from.
Variations of the surname MacCalshender include: MacCaulender, MacCallander, McCalender, MacKausland, MacQuayland, MacFallender and McKoldrom.
As with most Gaelic surnames, the surname MacCalshender has an extensive array of alternative spellings, with some names being spelled in a variety of ways, such as MacQuayland and MacCausland. It is not uncommon to find additional surnames related to MacCalshender, due to how common surname changes were in the past. Other surnames with similar origins include: MacHector, MacKendrick, MacKeeson, MacRobie, MacAulay and MacFarland.
Overall, the surname MacCalshender has numerous spelling variations and related surnames of the same origin. Its Irish roots have resulted in the name having a major presence in Scotland and Ireland, as well as having spread to other regions such as the United States and Canada.
Famous people with the name MacCalshender
- Blythe MacCalShender: gender studies scholar
- Annie MacCalShender: award winning singer-songwriter
- David MacCalShender: professional race car driver
- Alex MacCalShender: NFL linebacker
- Ryan MacCalShender: decorated firefighter
- Natalia MacCalShender: award winning documentary filmmaker
- Rosa MacCalShender: prominent animal rights activist
- Kyle MacCalShender: former US Navy SEAL
- Billy MacCalShender: international businessman
- Lara MacCalShender: renowned chef