Surname MacDuffie - Meaning and Origin
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MacDuffie: What does the surname MacDuffie mean?
MacDuffie is a Scottish surname. The "Mac" in Scottish and Irish surnames usually means "son of," hence, MacDuffie could mean "son of Duffie." The name Duffie itself is derived from the Gaelic dubh meaning "black" and fidh meaning "raven."
The name MacDuffie has its roots from the ancient Scottish-Clan Macfie. Clan Macfie is one of the oldest Scottish clans with traditions stating that the original ancestor was a mighty warrior who lived in the 11th century. The clan hailed from Colonsay, an island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, where the chief was known as MacDuffie, the hereditary keeper of the records.
The shift from Macfie to MacDuffie is likely due to variations in the spelling and pronunciation of Scottish names, often under the influence of English or as the result of immigration. Over centuries, the surname has been recorded in various forms such as MacFie, MacPhee, MacCuffie, MacPhie, and eventually MacDuffie.
Therefore, the name MacDuffie bears with it a history of ancestral warriors, Scottish Clan heritage, and literal meanings associated with black ravens, possibly symbolizing wisdom or prophecy.
Order DNA origin analysisMacDuffie: Where does the name MacDuffie come from?
The surname MacDuffie originates from Scotland, belonging to the Celtic tradition. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Mac Dhuibhshíthe," which means, son of Duibhshíth, a personal name composed of the elements “dubh,” meaning black and “sìth,” meaning peace. Traditionally, this name is associated with the Scottish clan system, specifically linked to Clan Macfie which was historically based in the Inner Hebrides Islands of Colonsay and Oronsay. However, in the 17th century, the clan was scattered due to societal conflicts.
Today, due to historical migration (particularly during the Highland Clearances in the 18th and 19th centuries), the MacDuffie surname and its variations can mostly be found in English-speaking countries outside of Scotland, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Many people with Scottish lineage still carry the surname. Despite the diaspora, the name is not extremely common in any one particular location. Various spellings and morphologies of the name exist including McFie, McDuffie, MacPhee, and others.
Variations of the surname MacDuffie
The surname MacDuffie is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic patronymic name "Mac Dhuibhshíthe," meaning "son of the dark man of peace." There are various ways this surname has been spelled over centuries due to linguistic transcription and translation between Gaelic and English.
Different variants and spellings of the name MacDuffie include MacDuff, McDuff, Duff, MacDuffee, MacPhee, MacPhie, MacFee, MacDuffey, MacPhy, Duthie, as well as compound forms like MacPherson (son of the parson).
Additionally, the surname MacFie, widely spread in the regions of Colonsay, Skye, Ross, Cromarty, Perth, and Fife in Scotland, is often linked and considered a variant to MacDuffie.
Furthermore, the forms MacGuffie, MacGuffe, and MacGuffy are also seen, particularly in places where phonetic spelling came into play.
In Irish iterations, it can appear as Dhuibhshíthe or Dubhshíth.
Overall, the interpretation and spelling of the name MacDuffie have been influenced by regional dialects, translation, immigration, and Anglicization.
Famous people with the name MacDuffie
- Jackie MacDuffie: Singer-songwriter from Orange County, CA.
- Katharine MacDuffie: Co-host of a morning show in San Diego.
- Zachary MacDuffie: Canadian actor and playwright.
- Cecil MacDuffie: Jazz saxophonist Member of the 'Thelonious Monk Saxophone Competition' Hall of Fame.
- Monica MacDuffie: Comedian and Improv Artist.
- Dante MacDuffie: Professional volleyball player.
- Jack MacDuffie: Award-winning cinematographer.
- William MacDuffie: Author and editor of books on art and culture.
- Joe MacDuffie: Former NFL cornerback.
- Andy MacDuffie: Professional basketball player.