Surname MacEvay - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacEvay: What does the surname MacEvay mean?
The last name MacEvay is a Scottish surname that is derived from a Gaelic term meaning “son of Evan”. Evan is a Hebrew name that means “God is gracious”.
The MacEvay family history can be traced back to the highlands of Scotland, where they were recognized for their contributions to the arts, culture, and politics. They were believed to have been part of the MacFie clan, which was renowned for its warriors and builders.
The MacEvay family line went on to spread all across the world, becoming a popular presence in countries including the United States, England, and Australia.
MacEvay can be an Anglicized version of the clan’s surname, M’Iveigh, or Gallowglass meaning “stranger”, as the family had arrived in Scotland from Ireland in the 16th century.
The MacEvays are an old-world clan with a proud and ancient heritage. They’ve been known for their strong presence of loyalty and commitment to family. The MacEvays also possess a great sense of honor and duty, making them well respected members of their local communities.
Whether you’re looking to research your family history or simply learning more about Scottish heritage, the MacEvay name can give you a glimpse into the past. It’s a proud symbol of the strong-willed individuals who have persevered through the centuries, embracing challenges and inspiring generations with their indomitable spirit.
Order DNA origin analysisMacEvay: Where does the name MacEvay come from?
The MacEvay surname is a Gaelic-Irish name derived from the Mac Aodha family, a prominent family in the region of Tir Connail in what is now the Republic of Ireland. While the MacEvay name is not particularly common today, those who bear the surname can be found primarily in Ireland and the UK, as well as parts of North America.
In the United States and Canada, the name is most commonly linked to regions of Irish emigration, including parts of New England, the Midwest, and Canada’s Maritime provinces. The name does not appear to be tied to any specific religious affiliation; instead, it seems to be found more evenly spread across both Protestant and Catholic populations.
The name may be more common, albeit localized, in Ireland and Scotland. It is mostly associated with areas in which Scottish-Irish populations settled, particularly in the prisons of County Kerry, where many MacEgays originated.
It is also worth noting that, due to the spelling variation, there could be many other surnames related to the MacEvay name, which could further explain its widespread presence today. Furthermore, due to the emergence of global genealogical technologies, there is now a greater opportunity for those bearing the MacEvay name to connect with distant relatives spread across the world.
Variations of the surname MacEvay
The surname MacEvay has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These variations include M'Evey, McEvey, MacEvey, MacEvoy, MacEvy, and MacEvie.
McEvey is the most common spelling variation of MacEvay. It is a Scottish surname derived from the Gaelic personal name "MacEachaidh", which translates to mean "son of Aodh". The name Aodh is derived from the Gaelic word Aedh, meaning "fire". This surname is often found with a prefix such as Mac or Mc, denoting "son of".
MacEvey is an alternate spelling of the Scottish surname MacEvay. As with the other variations, it is derived from the Gaelic personal name, "MacEachaidh", meaning "son of Aodh".
MacEvoy is another variation of the Scottish surname MacEvay. It is derived from the Gaelic personal name "MacEachaidh", meaning "son of Aodh". While the meaning of the name remains the same, the spelling varies slightly from its other variations.
MacEvy is another spelling of the Scottish surname MacEvay. It is derived from the Gaelic personal name "MacEachaidh", meaning "son of Aodh". This variation differs from the others only by its spelling.
Finally, MacEvie is the last variation of the Scottish surname MacEvay. It is derived from the Gaelic personal name "MacEachaidh", meaning "son of Aodh". This variation is the least common of the others.
Famous people with the name MacEvay
- Michael McEvoy: Irish actor, best known for his roles in Dubliners (2003) and Dead Bodies (2004).
- Paul McEvoy: Irish cue sports player. He has won multiple championships in Ireland, England and the United States.
- Willie McEvoy: Irish poet and writer. He wrote several collections of poetry, as well as a novel.
- Sean McEvoy: American competitive cyclist. He won the U.S. National Cycling Championships in 2014.
- Megan McEvoy: Professional figure skater. She has competed internationally since 2010 and won the bronze medal at the 2015 U.S. Championships.
- Daniel McEvoy: British actor, most known for his roles in the television series Hot Fuzz (2007) and The Tudors (2007).
- Don McEvoy: Former American professional baseball player. He played for the Philadelphia Athletics in the 1940s.
- Craig McEvoy: Irish artist. He has held several solo exhibitions in Europe and the United States.
- Fiona McEvoy: Irish singer-songwriter. She released her debut album in 2007 and has since earned several music awards.
- Phelim McEvoy: Irish businessman and philanthropist. He is the chairman of the McEvoy Foundation, a charity which promotes research and development projects in Ireland.