Surname MacEndoo - Meaning and Origin
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MacEndoo: What does the surname MacEndoo mean?
The last name MacEndoo is a surname of Scottish origin. It is a variant of the more commonly found name MacIntosh, which is derived from a nickname meaning “son of the crofter”. MacEndoo likely was given to someone who worked or lived on or near a croft – small, usually self-sufficient farms prevalent in the Scottish Highlands during the 18th and 19th centuries.
The MacEndoo name is also associated with a sept or clan of the same name that were based in Argyllshire and Bute in the 18th century. This particular clan of the wider MacIntosh clan was said to have retained the old ways and language at a period of time when many other Clans had adopted more English traditions.
The name MacEndoo may have also been used as a sign of solidarity and recognition of their roots for many who had emigrated from Scotland to foreign lands. Its use spread amongst the Scottish communities living abroad, and can still be found in Canada, the United States, and New Zealand.
One of the most notable holders of this name is the first Prime Minister of Canada, John A. Macdonald, whose mother was Isabella MacEndoo. This Scottish immigrant is an example of how the name MacEndoo was associated with hard work, determination and loyalty, traits still embedded in many families who carry the MacEndoo surname to this day.
Order DNA origin analysisMacEndoo: Where does the name MacEndoo come from?
The last name MacEndoo is most likely derived from the Irish name "Mac an Dhuibh," which is composed of the prefix “Mac”, meaning “son of”, and the name “Dhuibh”, meaning “black” or “dark”. Therefore, “MacEndoo” is most likely a surname of Irish origin.
Today, the last name MacEndoo is most common in Ireland, although there are a few scattered occurrences of the name in other countries. In Ireland, the name is especially common in the counties of Cork, Clare and Limerick. It is also relatively frequently seen in the counties of Roscommon, Tipperary, and Kerry.
In the United States, the last name MacEndoo is not particularly frequent, with the highest occurrences in Arkansas, Illinois, and Virginia. In the United Kingdom, particularly in Northern Ireland, the name is found more frequently, with the greatest prevalence in Derry, Belfast, and Antrim.
In Canada, MacEndoo is moderately common, most notably in Ontario and Quebec. It is also found, albeit very rarely, in countries such as Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand.
Overall, the last name MacEndoo can be found scattered all over the world, particularly in countries with strong historical Irish roots. It is most common in Ireland, but can also be found in various other countries.
Variations of the surname MacEndoo
The surname MacEndoo has a few variations and alternate spellings. As a Scottish Gaelic surname, it can also be seen spelled as MacAindu, which was used by the MacEanDu family of Strathtay. Another commonly seen variant is MacEndu, sometimes seen spelled McEndu. There is also the closely related MacIndoe, which was mostly used in the counties of Derry and Tyrone in Northern Ireland. In some cases, this name has also been Anglicized to Monkendy, and in others to Maconedy.
In some parts of Scotland, the surname is seen spelled as McKendoo or MacKendoo. This form of the name could be traced as far back as the 16th century, when the Mackendoo family was recorded in the barony of Dundowry, in Wigtownshire. Additionally, the slightly different surname MacEndow is another variant that has been recorded in the parish of Sorbie in Wigtownshire.
In Ireland, other variants of the surname have been used, such as MacEando or MacAndoo, and occasionally MacDono. These alternate spellings or variants were mostly used in Counties Donegal, Sligo, and Donegal. The MacInness family which claims descent from the MacEndu family is also considered another surname of the same origin.
Overall, the MacEndoo surname is seemingly derived from the Gaelic phrase ‘mac Aindu’, which means ‘son of Aindíu’. Thus, all of the variants, spellings and surnames shared here are of the same origin.
Famous people with the name MacEndoo
- Jenny MacEndoo: singer, songwriter and violinist
- Alan MacEndoo: MLB baseball player
- Ian MacEndoo: businessman and philanthropist
- Bart MacEndoo: film director
- Kelly MacEndoo: professional beach volleyball player
- Sean MacEndoo: comic book artist
- Mary MacEndoo: author
- Dylan MacEndoo: actor
- Tiffany MacEndoo: Olympic swimmer
- Jamie MacEndoo: professional race-car driver