Surname Macdaid - Meaning and Origin
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Macdaid: What does the surname Macdaid mean?
The surname Macdaid is an Irish-Gaelic name originating from northern counties of Ulster and Donegal. It derives from the Irish Mag Datha, derived from dath, meaning ‘stature’ or ‘bearing’.
The surname MacDaid was originally used to identify those descended from the tenth-century Donegal chieftain Dáith mac Aodha. Dáith mac Aodha can be translated as “Aodh's Stature”. This chieftain was in charge of the region during a period of widespread clans and kingdoms.
Today, the surname Macdaid is a reminder of Ireland’s past, when many families were bound together by a common history and descent. It has various spellings in Irish, including MacDaidh, MacDaigh, MacDaw, and MacDee, and they all refer to the same origin.
In addition to its historical significance, the surname Macdaid has been found to be an honorable and distinctive choice for many Irish families. It is a common Irish surname, with its bearers spread throughout the world as part of the Irish diaspora.
The name “Macdaid” represents a diverse, interesting, and proud heritage. It stands for centuries of tradition, reminding us of the courage and resilience of those who came before us. It also stands for loyalty, unity, and a shared sense of identity.
Order DNA origin analysisMacdaid: Where does the name Macdaid come from?
The last name Macdaid is most common today in Ireland and Scotland, especially on the Isle of Skye. In Scotland, Macdaid is the 17th most common surname, with around 2,000 people having the last name. It is thought to be derived from an ancient Gaelic name, Mac Daibhidh, which means “Son of David”.
In Ireland, Macdaid is the 153rd most common last name, with about 1,400 people bearing the name. It is thought to be a variation of the Irish name Mac Dáire, which means “Son of Oak” or “Oak Tree”. The name can also be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries where Irish and Scottish immigrants settled.
The Macdaid surname is also very common in Scotland’s Western Isles, Northern Highlands, and Scottish Borders, where there are a significant number of people with the name. The surname is also quite common in Ulster, which is made up of the six northern Irish counties that are part of the United Kingdom.
Today, there are many notable people with the last name Macdaid. Actor Malachi Macdaid-NicGriogair is an Irish actor, most known for his work in the television series Vikings and the movie Braveheart. Doctor Fiona Macdaid is an internationally recognized medical researcher who has published widely on infectious diseases and their impact on global health. Finally, Professor of Psychology Sarah Macdaid is a world-renowned scholar on the subject of child development.
Variations of the surname Macdaid
Macdaid is an Irish surname that has various spellings and variants. It is also known as MacDaibheid, MacDéved, MacDaibhéid or MacDaibhéidín. As a Gaelic surname, it has its roots in the part of the country known as “the land of the two rivers”, which corresponds to modern day County Donegal or Tyreconnell.
The original form of the surname is believed to have been MacDaibhéid, meaning ‘son of Daibhéid’. This prominent figure likely owes his origins to a clan leader who first lived around the 12th century. Over the years, the spelling of this surname has changed to various forms.
The Macdaid surname is usually spelled as MacDáibhéid in its original form. Other variations of this name include MacDaid, MacDaibhéidh, MacDáibhéidh, MacDéved, MacDaivéad, MacDaibhéadaigh, MacDaibhéadar, MacDaighdi and MacDaighde.
The name is also found as a form of patronymic, in which the woman’s name becomes the surname of her children. The male patronymic variant of the surname is Mac MhicDáibhéid (‘son of the son of Daibhéid’). The female patronymic version is Nic Mhic Dáibhéid (‘daughter of the son of Daibhéid’).
In the modern spelling, MacDaid is usually used in Scotland and MacDaibhid is used in Ireland. Other forms used outside Ireland include Macdade, McDaid, MacDavitt and MacDavitt. All of these variants derive from the same origin, and are believed to still be in use in Scotland and Ireland.
Famous people with the name Macdaid
- Aidan MacDaid: Irish fine art photographer.
- Mairéad MacDaid: Chief Executive of Donegal County Council in Ireland.
- Máire MacDaid: Irish politician and former member of the Seanad.
- Seán MacDaid: former Irish Fianna Fáil politician and former Mayor of Donegal.
- Alan MacDaid: former Northern Irish footballer and manager.
- Lorna MacDaid: former Lord Mayor of Belfast.
- Ronan MacDaid: former Irish Gaelic footballer.
- Eoghan MacDaid: Irish film director and producer.
- Eibhlín MacDaid: Irish camogie player.
- James McDaid: former Irish and Gaelic football selector.
- Norman MacDaid: former Irish rugby player.
- Sinead MacDaid: Irish artist.
- Aaron MacDaid: former Northern Irish footballer.
- Dessie MacDaid: current drummer for alternative rock band 'The Answer'.
- David MacDaid: former member of the Northern Ireland Assembly and former member of the Ulster Unionist Party.