Surname MacConochie - Meaning and Origin
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MacConochie: What does the surname MacConochie mean?
The last name MacConochie is a Scottish name meaning “son of Conochie”. Conochie is believed to be derived from the Scottish Gaelic name Coinneach, which means “handsome”.
MacConochie is a fairly uncommon last name, but can be found primarily in Scotland. Currently, there are very few recorded MacConochie families living in Scotland, although at one time the name was fairly abundant in many Highland regions. It’s possible that the name could also be found in the United States and Canada, though this is unconfirmed.
Most known MacConochie families are connected in some way to the Isle of Barra off the west coast of Scotland. This is because Conochie MacNeil of Barra, the original ancestor of this name, left the island in the 1500s to serve in the court of Mary Queen of Scots. His descendants later adopted the last name MacConochie as a tribute to his heritage.
The name MacConochie is a proud reminder of Scotland’s rich and varied history. It is related to the history of the Isle of Barra and the stories of its clan of rabblesome MacNeill warriors. Although the name is not very common today, it stands as a testament to the strength and legacy of Scotland’s past generations.
Order DNA origin analysisMacConochie: Where does the name MacConochie come from?
The last name MacConochie is most common today in Scotland and Canada, particularly in Scotland, where a large proportion of the population can trace their ancestry back to the 1700s when the name originated.
The surname is also found in England, Ireland, the United States, and Australia. It has even been reported in India, although the presence of MacConochie’s is likely to be in fewer numbers.
The origin of the surname MacConochie is believed to be Scottish, and it’s believed to originate from the Scottish Gaelic 'Mac Conochie', which translates to ‘son of Conochie’. 'Conochie' is believed to have come from the ancient Gaelic word 'Ceannach', meaning 'to purchase'.
The name MacConochie is most commonly associated with Clan Maclaine of Lochbuie, a sub-clan of Clan Maclean, a powerful Scottish clan which was part of the Lordship of the Isles.
The Clan Maclean even fought in many of Scotland’s notable battles, such as the Battle of Kildare in 1568. It’s likely that many of the MacConochie nameholders in Scotland today are directly descended from those who fought in these battles.
Today, MacConochie’s can be found in many parts of the world. With the help of the internet, descendants of this ancient name now have the opportunity to stay connected and keep their family histories alive.
Variations of the surname MacConochie
MacConochie is a Scottish surname derived from the old Gaelic name 'Mac Connachie' which means 'son of Connochie'. It is of patronymic origin, and is found predominantly in the North Eastern regions of Scotland. The family were particularly well known throughout Aberdeenshire, Angus and Moray.
Variations and alternative surnames and spellings, often anglicised by clerks, include MacConchie, McCancochie, MacConachie, MacConochie, MacConnachie, MacConchie, Makconochie, Makconochy, MacConnachy and Makconachie.
It is possible to trace the origin and heritage of this surname to the region of Scotland known as 'Braemar', where 'Mac Connochie' held his land and possessions for the King of Scotland in the early 1300's. It was in the years that followed that the family branched out and began to acquire lands and properties further afield.
The current day bearers of this surname are widely dispersed throughout the British Isles, Australia, North America and Canada. In Scotland, it remains a very popular surname and continues to be used in every part of the country.
Within families bearing the surname, there are numerous variations and spellings of the name which are perpetuated amongst its various members. Therefore it is often overly complex to pinpoint the exact origin of any one family, many of whom have been dispersed for hundreds of years.
Famous people with the name MacConochie
- Alexander Maconochie, British penal reformer
- Angus Maconochie, Baron Maconochie, British peer
- Cara Maconochie, Scottish artist
- Frank Maconochie, British explorer and surveyor
- Fred Maconochie, British artist
- Hazel Maconochie, British photographer
- James Maconochie of Leo, Scottish landowner and politician
- John Maconochie, American Civil War naval officer
- Neil Maconochie, British architect
- Neil Maconochie, British civil engineer
- Sammy Maconochie, British artist
- Thomas Fowell Buxton Maconochie, British politician and magistrate
- Archibald Maconochie, Scottish military doctor
- John Maconochie, New Zealand soldier
- Margaret Maconochie, Scottish nurse
- Max Maconochie, British diplomat and scholar
- Patrick Maconochie, Scottish lawyer
- Robert Maconochie, British physicist
- Sir James Maconochie, Scottish lawyer
- Sir Walter Maconochie, British Army general