Surname MacElvee - Meaning and Origin
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MacElvee: What does the surname MacElvee mean?
The surname MacElvee is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic Mac Gillemhoire (son of the servant of the Virgin) and Gaelic Mac Giolla Muire (son of the devotee of the Virgin). The MacElvee name is concentrated in Scotland, particularly in the Scottish Highlands, where tradition holds it originated.
The name MacElvee was used by the Clan Mac Elwee and is usually considered to be an anglicisation of Mac Giolla Mhuire, meaning "son of the servant of the Virgin Mary." This is thought to be due to the Little White Lady of Rocks which used to sit as a guardian of the mainland shoreline at West Port in Wick, Caithness.
This ancient mystical being was said to be an apparition of the Virgin Mary who monitored the MacElvees as they set out into the sea. This legend led to the people of Wick often taking the surname, MacElvee, to honour the Little White Lady seen as a symbol of protection.
Today, the surname is often seen as a way to honor the clan's lineage and family heritage, or as a way to keep its traditions alive. The name MacElvee is steeped in history and still carries with it a sense of reverence to its ancient origin story.
Order DNA origin analysisMacElvee: Where does the name MacElvee come from?
The last name MacElvee is primarily associated with the regions of Scotland. Although a rare name, it is most common in certain Scottish locations, particularly in the Scottish Lowlands, Highlands and Islands. According to the Scottish Government’s registration of births and deaths, the name MacElvee is recorded most often in Argyll and Bute, Caithness, Dunbartonshire, and Inverness-shire. Other locates that register the name include the Borders region, Perth & Kinross, Fife, and the Highlands.
Even within Scotland, MacElvee remains an uncommon surname. Research conducted in 2010 by the BBC indicated that only 235 individuals across the entire UK bore the surname MacElvee.
In addition to Scotland, the name MacElvee is also found in Northern Ireland, England, and to a lesser extent, Northern Ireland. Ireland’s Estimates of the Population compiled from the 2016 Census of Ireland indicates that the name MacElvee is quite rare in the Republic, with only a handful of individuals registered with the name across the country.
Although the name MacElvee may be rare, it is a well-known name in Scotland and carries with it a unique heritage. It carries a connection to the MacElvee’s ancestral home in the Highlands, and a proud lineage of traditional Scottish values and culture.
Variations of the surname MacElvee
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname MacElvee include the following: MacElvie, MacElvy, MacElevey, MacEleveye, MacElvey, MacElwee, MacElwie, MacElwy, McElvie, McElvy, McElevey, McEleveye, McElvey, McElwee, McElwie, and McElwy.
MacElvee is an Irish surname believed to originate from the Scottish Clan MacKelvie and its variant, MacKelvy. This clan descends from the ancient royal family of Macduff, which ruled Fife for centuries before it fell to the Scots. The clan was divided into two branches, and the MacKelvie branch was the northernmost one.
The clan was known to be hardworking and skilled artisans, producing beautiful furnishings, such as armchairs, dining tables and dressers, which were exported all over Scotland during the 19th century. In Scotland today, the clan is still represented by a number of Mac Kelveys living in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire.
The earliest recorded spelling of the MacElvee surname dates back to the mid 17th century, when it appears in the records of the Kilmarnock parish church as MacElve. The variant spellings of the surname appeared shortly thereafter, including MacElvie, MacElvy, MacElevey, MacEleveye, MacElvey, MacElwee, MacElwie, MacElwy, McElvie, McElvy, McElevey, McEleveye, McElvey, McElwee, McElwie, and McElwy. It is likely that variations in spelling occurred due to an individual's accent or as a result of illiteracy.
Famous people with the name MacElvee
- John MacElvee: A professional photographer who is noted for his animal portraiture and outdoor landscapes.
- Jon MacElvee: An American writer and author of five stand-alone novels set in the fictional Veelman County. His most recent work, Morning in Veelman County, has been highly praised for its literary fiction.
- Alan MacElvee: An English actor known best for his roles in the films The Wolfman and Edward Scissorhands.
- William MacElvee: A former professional basketball player who spent his entire fourteen-year career in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
- Graham MacElvee: A Scottish-American businessman, philanthropist and entrepreneur who serves as a senior advisor at the investment firm Ziff Brothers.
- Marissa MacElvee: A Canadian actress best known for her role as Doctor Maria Christian on the Canadian drama television series ReGenesis.
- Meaghan MacElvee: An American actress, singer, and dancer who has appeared in many theatrical productions and television shows, such as Jay Leno's Tonight Show.
- Helena MacElvee: A French painter and sculptor whose works have been presented in numerous galleries and museums in the United States, Europe and the United Kingdom.
- Grover MacElvee: An American football player who played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Los Angeles Rams. He is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
- Mathias MacElvee: A Canadian film and television actor, best known for his roles in the TV series Criminal Minds and The Dresden Files.