Surname MacCay - Meaning and Origin
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MacCay: What does the surname MacCay mean?
The origin of the surname MacCay can be traced to Scotland and is a variation of the surname MacKay. The surname originated from the ancient Clan MacKay which took its name from the Gaelic personal name Aodh, meaning ‘fire’. This surname is found mainly in Scotland, particularly in the north and also in northern Ireland.
The Clan MacKay is a powerful and influential Highland clan and its members have many prominent roles in Scottish politics and history. The MacKay clan has a long and ancient ancestry. According to tradition, the clan descends from both Norse and Gaelic origins, and its earliest known chiefs were descended from Fearchar, The Earl of Ross in the 13th century.
The modern surname MacCay is derived from ‘Mac’, meaning 'son of', and 'kay’, which originally derived from the Gaelic form of the name Aodh. Historically, the surname was common in both Scotland and Ireland, with the leadership of the clan having alternated between the two countries.
Today, the surname is still common in Scotland and the rest of the UK. Its legacy and traditions continue to be carried on by its modern-day descendants.
Order DNA origin analysisMacCay: Where does the name MacCay come from?
The last name MacCay is most commonly found in Scotland today, where it originates from Highland and ancient Scottish regions. Within Scotland, it is most common on the northern mainland, mainly from the Inverness-shire and Ross-shire areas of the Scottish Highlands. It is also an established surname in Ireland, where it was taken to during the 1700s by Scottish settlers.
Although the last name MacCay is rarely found in other parts of the world, there are several MacCay families living in England, Canada, and the United States. Additionally, many people with the last name MacCay have emigrated from Scotland to countries in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, resulting in a global distribution of the name.
Interestingly, MacCay is sometimes translated to MacKay or Mackay in some regions. The two names subtly vary in spelling and pronunciation, depending on the accent used. In New Zealand and Ireland, for example, MacCay could become Mackay. Additionally, due to anglicization, the pronunciation of the name may change even in places where it is predominantly used. For example, in the United States, it is often pronounced as "Mick-key".
Variations of the surname MacCay
The surname MacCay is a surname of Irish and Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic 'Mac Aodha', which means 'son of Aodh'. The Aodh was an ancient Irish personal name which means 'fire'. It is also related to the clan names MacKay, McKay and McCoy.
Variants of the surname MacCay include MacKay, MacKea, McKie, MacKey, and MacKie. Spellings of the surname MacCay include Makkai, McCay, McCahy, Makcahy, Mackay, McKay, and Mackey.
Surnames derived from the clan names MacKay, McKay and McCoy include MacKie, MacKiney, MacKellar, McCallum, MacQuarrie, MacKintosh, and MacQuillan. Other surnames derived from MacCay that are based on location of origin are MacDonnell, McElroy, and MacFarlane.
Alternate spellings and surnames of McKay and McCoy include McIntosh, McMullen, McElhaney, and McMullin. All of these surnames have the same origin although spellings of the name may differ due to the various accents of the languages spoken in Scotland and Ireland.
The many variants, spellings, and surnames derived from MacCay demonstrate the diverse history and migratory patterns of Scotland and Ireland throughout the centuries. The original surname meant ‘son of Aodh’ and is still found in Ireland and Scotland today, although its various spellings and derivatives are found around the world.
Famous people with the name MacCay
- David MacCay: Canadian entrepreneur and former Vice President at Microsoft.
- William MacCay: American actor, known for his roles in renowned films such as "The Social Network" and "The Hunger Games".
- Virginia MacCay: British-Canadian actress, best known for her role as Lady Stoneheart in the popular HBO series "Game of Thrones".
- Alexander MacCay: Australian lawyer, judge and politician who served as Attorney General of Australia from 2007 to 2011.
- Barry MacCay: Canadian musician and singer-songwriter. He is best known for his work as the lead guitarist in the band Big Sugar.
- Dan MacCay: British historian, journalist, and author who served as professor of history at Oxford University from 1985 to 1996.
- Isobel MacCay: Canadian writer and poet, known for her books such as "Glass Feathers" and "The Constant Solace".
- Krista MacCay: American actress and model, best known for her roles in the television series "Glee" and the feature film "Easy A".
- Mark MacCay: British-born architect, known for his work on designing public spaces in London such as the Southbank Centre and the Queen Elizabeth Hall.
- Stuart MacCay: Australian entrepreneur and venture capitalist, as well as the founder of the MacCay Group.