Surname MacCarney - Meaning and Origin
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MacCarney: What does the surname MacCarney mean?
The last name MacCarney is an Irish surname, originating from the Mac Carthaigh sept of County Clare. This surname is derived from the Irish Gaelic form of “son of Carthach” and is found commonly throughout Ireland. It is believed to have been brought to the country by Scottish and English settlers in the 16th century.
The Mac Carthaigh sept was one of the most widespread and influential Irish clans of the medieval period. Led by the O'Brien dynasty, they played a large part in the formation of the province of Munster. They were powerful in politics and were the lords of vast areas of land. With the onslaught of the Cromwellians, however, the clan was much reduced in power.
MacCarney is a common surname in parts of Ireland, England, Scotland, Canada, and the United States. Bearers of this name are believed to be of strong character and hardy nature, and to retain certain elements of their original mysterious and magical Celtic past.
Order DNA origin analysisMacCarney: Where does the name MacCarney come from?
The MacCarney surname is most commonly found today in Ireland. The name has its origins in medieval times but has been carried throughout the world due to emigration. The most distinct geographical concentration of the MacCarney surname is in the provinces of Ulster, Connacht, and Leinster, as well as British Isles countries like Scotland and Northern Ireland. These provinces are known as the ancient territories of Uí Néill, a clan that shares the MacCarney surname.
The MacCarney surname is still very popular in Ireland. It can be found in counties like Roscommon, Dublin, Monaghan, and Donegal. It is also found in other parts of the world such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. These countries are home to the large Irish diaspora, which includes many members of the MacCarney clan.
The MacCarney surname has been around since the 1700s in Ireland, and has since evolved to the modern version. It is derived from the Irish word Cearnaigh, which meant son or descendent of Cearna. This family name is related to the MacCarty, O’Carney, and Carney surnames. As a result, many variations of the name exist today, including McCarne, McKernon, and McKarney.
The name is associated with a long and illustrious history in Ireland and has been carried with pride by many generations of MacCarney’s. This proud Irish history is a reflection of the many MacCarney’s that have made a strong contribution to the Irish heritage.
Variations of the surname MacCarney
The MacCarney surname has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
The most common variant of MacCarney is the shortened form of the name, Carney. Other spelling variations often found include MacCarny, McCarney, and MacKearney.
Spelling variations of the MacCarney surname can include exchanges of the letter "C" and "K", such as McCarny, McKearny, and Carny. Other spelling variations include Carneys, Carnay, Kearney, and Kearny. These variations stem mostly from the predominant Irish background of the name.
The MacCarney surname is sometimes found as a Catholic surname, a direct result of its Catholic origin in Ireland, where the application of surnames in the nation began in the 6th century. The Catholic variant may appear as O'Carney to signify who the family descended from.
In Scotland and England, the surname may appear as Carnie and Carney. These spellings are believed to have derived from the Norman French pronunciation and spelling of the name.
In Germany, the MacCarney name appears as Karny and Karney. This was likely due to settlers with the name anglicizing the spelling as they integrated into the German culture.
No matter what the spelling or form of the surname, ultimately it all come from the same origins.
Famous people with the name MacCarney
- Marion MacCarney MacDowell: an American actress, best known for her role in the romantic comedy film Four Weddings and a Funeral.
- Sean MacCarney: an American singer and songwriter, best known for his top 10 hit "Maybe I'm Amazed".
- Tracy MacCarney: an American former professional basketball player who played for the Phoenix Mercury.
- Claire MacCarney: an American journalist and author, best known for her books Painted Walls and Blushing Bride.
- Anna MacCarney: an Australian-born actress, best known for her role in the Australian soap opera Neighbours.
- Jack MacCarney: an American actor, best known for his role in the film Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.
- Tommy MacCarney: an Irish footballer who currently plays for Rochdale.
- Daniel MacCarney: an Australian actor, best known for his role in the film The Matrix Revolutions.
- Sean MacCarney: an Irish artist and musician, best known for his work with the band My Bloody Valentine.
- Martin MacCarney: an Irish singer-songwriter, best known for his solo work and collaborations with other artists.