Surname MacGee - Meaning and Origin
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MacGee: What does the surname MacGee mean?
The last name MacGee is believed to have originated in Ireland in ancient times as a nickname for a person who had a prominent nose or "gee gee". The Gaelic translation of MacGee roughly means "son of a prominent nose". This nickname was likely taken on as a name by the original family and passed down through the generations.
The surname MacGee is found in many countries today, including Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man, the United States, Scotland, England, Canada, and Australia. It can also be spelled MacGhee, MacGhee or MacGhie - these variations could be due to a mistranslation, confusion between the similar sounding names, or other changes over time.
In Scotland, the MacGees are known as Highland Scots and are thought to have descended from the MacGill tribe which fought alongside Robert the Bruce during the Battle of Bannockburn. In the United States, MacGees are found mainly in the Southern states, especially in the Appalachians.
The research into our family's heritage is a popular way for many people to explore their roots and connect to their past. It is believed that the surname MacGee will continue to be passed down and shared throughout generations, regardless of the changes in spelling.
Order DNA origin analysisMacGee: Where does the name MacGee come from?
The last name MacGee is predominantly seen today in the United States, Canada, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. It is most common in the United States, where it is the 1,742nd most popular surname. The origin of the name MacGee is likely Scottish, derived from the Gaelic name Mac Aodha, which means "son of Aodh," or "son of fire." It is possible the name was anglicized from the Irish surname MacGee, which is more common in Northern Ireland.
In the United States, people with the last name MacGee are largely found in the Midwest, with concentrations of families in Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, and Nebraska. The largest population of MacGee’s is found in the state of Illinois, where approximately 6,890 people bear the name. Another large pocket of MacGee’s can be found in Ontario, Canada, with a population of 2,585 MacGee’s living in Canada's most populous province.
In Scotland, the percentage of the population with the MacGee last name is the smallest of the four countries, making up 0.0015% of Scotland’s population. MacGee families in the United Kingdom are largely limited to Scotland, making it one of the least common surnames in the British Isles.
Despite its relatively small presence, the MacGee surname is found in many countries across the globe. It is likely that people with the MacGee name can trace their ancestry back to the original Scots and Irish families that lived centuries ago.
Variations of the surname MacGee
The surname MacGee is derived from the Irish and Scottish Gaelic Mac Aodha, meaning son of Aodh, which is a given name derived from the Old Irish name Aed, meaning fire. This name is often spelled MacGhee, MacGhee, McGhee, McGee, Maghee, McGehee, MacGehee, MacGhee, and Magge. Variants include Geauduy, MacCaohai, MacGian, MacGiannan, MacKee, Penha and Tweede. In certain anglicised contexts, it can also be spelled "Gee" or "Ghee" and "Ge", the latter of which is more often found in Asia and Africa.
In Ireland, the name is seen mostly in Ulster, having come from the Gaelic sept of Ó hAodha.The name is found mainly in the counties of Antrim, Down and Donegal. MacGée, MacGy, MacGee and MacGeehee are versions of this name found in England.
In Scotland, MacGhee is the common spelling found along with MacGhee, McGee, and McGhee. In Scotland this surname can also be found as McGill, McGil, Magill, Maguil, Glaister and Gallacher, which are all anglicised versions of the same name descended from the ancient Gaelic culture. It is likewise found in the border areas with England and in Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.
Famous people with the name MacGee
- Sean G. MacGee: American actor who has appeared in television series such as Sons of Anarchy, All My Children, and Beverly Hills, 90210.
- Jack MacGee: Irish-American filmmaker who directed 1997’s Reality Bites and executive produced 2020’s We're All Going to the World's Fair.
- Siobhan MacGee: English actress who appeared in productions such as 24: Live Another Day and Penny Dreadful.
- Kim MacGee: American actress primarily known for her appearances in films like Unbeatable Harold and My Sister’s Keeper.
- Francis MacGee: Australian film director, screen writer, and producer widely acclaimed for his work on The Ground We Won.
- Pete MacGee: English singer and songwriter best known for his hits ‘You Got To Keep On’ and ‘Where Would I Be?’
- Ami MacGee: American former model turned veterinarian who was on the ninth series of the reality television show America’s Next Top Model.
- Michael MacGee: Canadian actor who has appeared in productions such as Blackstone and The Secret Life of Merlyn Diaries.
- Paul MacGee: Canadian comedian and actor who was featured in the television series Space janitors and Superchannel series Gavin Crawford’s Wild West.
- Carly MacGee: Canadian singer and songwriter most notably for her debut single ‘Goodbye’ (2008).