Surname MacCalway - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacCalway: What does the surname MacCalway mean?
The last name MacCalway (also spelled MacCalway) is an anglicized version of the Scottish Gaelic name MacCalbhach, derived from the old Gaelic elementsmeaning “son of the battle lord”. Historically, the name was used to signify a leader, orsomeone of prominent status due to their ability to lead in battle or in general.
The MacCalway name is associated with the MacGregor Clan and is thought to have originated as a sept of Clan Gregor. The name is associated with counties in the various regions of Scotland such as The Highlands, Stirlingshire, and Perthshire. During the 12th and 13th centuries, MacCalway was prominent in the area of Gaelic Scotland and was an influential part of its culture.
In modern Scotland, the MacCalway name has remained a prominent part of the culture and history. With ancestral ties to Clan Gregor, many descendants of the name MacCalway have kept their heritage alive and are continuing to build upon their heritage today.
The MacCalway family has a strong tradition of service and loyalty to family and country, and is associated with military service, and hard work with strong ties to the land and its heritage.
Today, the MacCalway name is a proud reminder of Scotland's rich and diverse culture and heritage. It stands for strength, loyalty, and leadership, and the courage to fight for one’s principles - values that are embraced by people of all backgrounds.
Order DNA origin analysisMacCalway: Where does the name MacCalway come from?
The last name MacCalway is most commonly seen in Scotland and Ireland today. It is thought to have originated in the pre-Norman Ireland or Scotland during the era of Norse raids. The first record of the name is found in records from the 1400s, where it was spelled Maccalaun. It is most common in counties such as Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon in Ireland, and Ayrshire and Lanarkshire in Scotland.
The variant forms of the name are MacCallum, MacCalman, McLaire, MacClare, and MacClure. Though the name is not especially common outside of these regions, it appears that members of the family migrated to other countries in Europe and beyond.
The Gaelic form of MacCalway is MacCalbhaigh, and the name is derived from an old Gaelic clan meaning “son of the bard.” The MacCalways were well regarded in their communities for their knowledge of language and music, which were often passed down from generation to generation.
Many people who share the MacCalway name still live in the same areas of Scotland and Ireland as their ancestors did centuries ago. However, many have migrated to other countries around the world in search of better opportunities. In the wake of the diaspora, MacCalways can now be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Variations of the surname MacCalway
The MacCalway surname is of Scottish origin and can be found in records as early as the 13th century. Variants of MacCalway include MacCalow, MacCalough, McCalloo, McCalley, MacCalley, McCalway, McCalloway, McCaulay and MacAlway.
MacCalway is derived from the Gaelic personal name "Mac Cathmhaoil", which translates as "son of the battle leader". The folk name “Cathmhaoil” was borne by a distinguished warrior of 11th century Ireland and reduced to MacCalway through the centuries as the name of his descendants.
As with many Scottish clans, the MacCalways were centered in the Glasgow area. Records of MacCalways serving in the families of various noble families can be found as early as the 14th century.
In Ireland, there is an additional spelling variant of MacCalway - MacCalvey. Additionally, in North American countries such as Canada, the United States, and Mexico, the MacCalway surname has been shortened to the spelling of McCaulay.
Despite these various spelling variants, the descendants of the MacCathmhaoil clan all share the same proud family history and are related to each other, even if they spell their surname differently.
Famous people with the name MacCalway
- Thomas MacCalway: Scottish Pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies
- Olivia MacCalway: American Reporter for the Wall Street Journal
- Johnny MacCalway: American Basketball Player and 6-time NBA champion
- Joe MacCalway: Classical Music Composer
- Paul MacCalway: French Singer
- Craig MacCalway: British Diplomat and Nobel Prize winner
- Mark MacCalway: US Actor and 3-time Emmy Award Winner
- Diana MacCalway: Renowned Chef and Winner of the World Chef Award
- Ryan MacCalway: Astronomer working at NASA
- William MacCalway: English explorer and navigator