Surname MacCaws - Meaning and Origin
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MacCaws: What does the surname MacCaws mean?
MacCaws is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic Mac Cos, which means "son of Cos." The term 'Cos' is considered to be a shortened form of personal names such as Cosgrach and Coscrach. Given the patronymic nature of Gaelic names, MacCaws would signify being a descendant or son of a man named Cos. The name is suggestive of a lineage and not necessarily indicative of a particular trait or characteristic. Like many last names, it served as an important identifier in medieval times when surnames began to be used in Ireland. It's worth noting that due to variations in spelling over the centuries, and dependant on the regions in Ireland, the surname MacCaws might also exist in forms such as McCos, McCaus, McCaws, or other similar derivations.
Order DNA origin analysisMacCaws: Where does the name MacCaws come from?
The MacCaws surname is an Irish surname that is most commonly found in Northern Ireland today. It is a variant of the Scottish surname McCaw, which was derived from the Gaelic language. The name is thought to have originated from the old Irish word Mac Cathmhaoil, referring to a person who was the son of a battlechief.
In Northern Ireland, the MacCaws surname is most commonly found in the province of Ulster, specifically in counties Antrim, Londonderry, Fermanagh, and Tyrone. It may also be found in other areas of Ireland, including Dublin and Cork.
In the United States, the surname is much more difficult to find. There are a few MacCaws families located in the states of New York and Pennsylvania, and some have migrated to the Midwest and New England regions as well.
In terms of Australia, there are records showing the presence of MacCaws in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, but it appears to be a rare surname now. Canada also has a few MacCaws families, most of whom are descended from Northern Ireland settlers from the eighteenth century onwards.
Overall, the MacCaws surname has an Irish origin and is most commonly found in Ulster today. It is not a particularly common surname in the United States or other parts of the world, but there are a few MacCaws families located in various countries.
Variations of the surname MacCaws
The surname MacCaws has several variations, spellings and surnames of the same origin.
MacCaws is a sept of the Irish clan MacCathmhaoils, which is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Cathmhaoil, meaning "son of Cathmhall".
The most common variant of MacCaws is MacCawse, a sept of the same clan. This variant is most often found in Ireland, Scotland, and England. Other variations of MacCaws include:
McCaus, MacCaus, McCan, MacCan, McCahan, and MacCahan. These variations are found mainly in Scotland and Ireland.
The surname Mackso and Macoso are found mainly in Scotland.
The surnames Macasas and Macanson are derived from the same Scottish family.
Other surnames originating from the same clan are MacQuise, MacCose, MacQosse, and MacQuese. These variations are mostly found in Ireland.
Finally, the surname MacCusic is derived from the same clan, and is sometimes used as a variation of MacCaws. This surname is mainly found in Ireland.
In conclusion, the surname MacCaws has several variations, spellings and surnames of the same origin, mostly found in Ireland, Scotland and England. These include McCaus, MacCaus, McCan, MacCan, MacCawse, McCahan, MacCahan, Mackso, Macoso, Macasas, Macanson, MacQuise, MacCose, MacQosse, MacQuese, and MacCusic.
Famous people with the name MacCaws
- Bob McCaw: Former UK special forces recruit who wrote the book ‘Special Forces in Iraq: Middle East Combat Series’.
- Margot McCaw: Canadian-American fashion model and Miss Teen USA 1992.
- Al MacCaws: Ex-Michigan and CFL running back.
- Andrew McCaw: Chairman and co-founder of Group 14 Technologies, Inc.
- David McCaw: Actor, director, producer and writer.
- Ian McCaw: Athletic Director at Liberty University.
- Keith McCaw: Former professional hockey player and executive.
- Peter McCaw: Executive Director of the Canada West Foundation.
- Richard McCaw: New Zealand Rugby Union player.
- Thomas McCaw: Former professional American football player.