Surname MacEvan - Meaning and Origin
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MacEvan: What does the surname MacEvan mean?
The last name MacEvan is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Eoghain. In Gaelic, MacEoghain translates to "son of Eoghan." Eoghan is thought to have been derived from the old Irish name Ó hÉignigh which comes from the Middle Irish root "eigneach," which means "strong in birth."
The MacEvan surname has been widely used throughout the centuries. As Christianity spread through Scotland, many people, including the MacEvans, adopted new names. MacEvan families have been found in the places of Clan Nacounell, Argyll, Dunbar and Banff and Inverness in the Highlands.
Traditionally, MacEvan families were seafarers, fishermen, and merchants and were prominent in the agricultural and landowning classes. Some MacEvan’s served in the British Navy and were considered “loyalists” during the American Revolutionary War.
Today, the surname MacEvan appears in many parts of the world as people have emigrated. As with the majority of Scottish names, there are many spelling variations of MacEvan including MacEwan, MacEwan, MacEvane, MacEven, and McKewan.
Order DNA origin analysisMacEvan: Where does the name MacEvan come from?
The last name MacEvan is relatively uncommon, and can be found in various regions around the world. In Scotland, there is a small cluster of families with this name found primarily in the Argyll area. The name also appears in parts of the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland, where it is sometimes confused with the surname MacEvaney.
A large number of people with the MacEvan surname can be found in the United States and Canada. In the US, many trace their roots back to immigrants who came to North America in the mid to late 19th century. There is a small population of this name in the western US states, as well as the Northeast. In Canada, the MacEvan surname is most common in the provinces of Ontario and Prince Edward Island.
Tracing the root of the name reveals that MacEvan is primarily a Scottish name derived from the Gaelic Mac Eoghainn. The name means "son of Eoghan" and is derived from the given name Eoghan, which means "born of a yew tree." This was a popular name in many parts of Scotland, and it is believed that the MacEvan surname was taken by some Eoghans in order to distinguish their families from others.
Given the decline of the Scottish population in North America, it is likely that the MacEvan surname will decline over time as the descendants of these families move beyond their original roots. Despite that, the MacEvan surname is still found in several countries around the world and remains an interesting part of the cultural heritage of those countries.
Variations of the surname MacEvan
The surname MacEvan is an anglicized form of the old Gaelic personal name, Mac Eobhain. Found mainly in Scotland and Ireland, the name is also sometimes written as McEvain, MacEwan, MacEvan,Evan,Evane, and Vaughne.
The origin of the surname dates back to the tenth century, when the ancestors of the MacEvan (or MacEwan) family arrived in Scotland from Ireland. The name is derived from 'Mac Eobhain', which is the Gaelic word for 'son of Eobhan', a diminutive form of Eogan, a Gaelic name meaning 'youthful'. The ancestors of the MacEvan family were of the Ui Neill, descended from Niall of the Nine Hostages, a 5th-century High King of Ireland.
Today, the surname MacEvan is predominantly seen in Scotland and Ireland, with some members of the family having established themselves in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other parts of the world. It is also possible to trace the name to other countries, such as France where the spelling ‘Machevin’ is sometimes seen.
In conclusion, the surname MacEvan can be found in several different variants, spellings and surnames, all of which being derived from the Irish personal name ‘Mac Eobhain’. The surname continues to be found in Scotland and Ireland, and has been spread to other parts of the world over the course of its history.
Famous people with the name MacEvan
- Eliza MacEvan: Actress
- Craig MacEvan: Professional Golfer
- Archie MacEvan: British Actor
- Steve MacEvan: British Model
- Darian MacEvan: Professional Ballet/Modern Dance Performer
- Ian MacEvan: Former Scottish Footballer
- Robert MacEvan: Canadian Artist
- Jody MacEvan: Professional Rugby Player
- Hazel MacEvan: British Comedienne
- Pippa MacEvan: Television Presenter and Former Miss Scotland