Surname Mack Kelly - Meaning and Origin
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Mack Kelly: What does the surname Mack Kelly mean?
Mack Kelly is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic name Mac Ceallaigh. It is thought to have been taken from the Irish personal names Ceallach or Ceallagh, which mean 'strife', 'war' or 'contention'. It is likely that Mack Kelly originated as a patronymic name, meaning 'son of Kelly' or 'son of Ceallach'.
The Kelly family are recorded as having settled in Counties Leitrim, Galway, Longford, Cavan, and Westmeath. They were a part of the O'Gormley Clan of Ulster, and were among the Chiefs of Breifne, before they moved to Connacht. It is believed that the Mack Kellys were part of this migration.
Today, Mack Kelly is a common surname in Ireland. Its bearers can often be found in parts of the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Canada. In addition to its root meaning, the name also symbolizes the heritage and history of the Mack Kelly family. It stands as a reminder of the will and determination of Irish immigrants who, through hard work and dedication, made a life for themselves in a new land.
Order DNA origin analysisMack Kelly: Where does the name Mack Kelly come from?
The last name Mack Kelly is most commonly found today in and around the USA. It is assumed to be an Irish variant of the name McCauley, as the two names have a similar pronunciation.
Mack Kelly is a very old surname and has a recorded history in Ireland going back to the 17th century. It is believed to be derived from the Irish "Mac Ceallaidh," meaning "son of Ceallaidh." This family name was first found in the counties of Donegal, Clare, Cork, and Kilkenny.
The current distribution of Mack Kelly suggests that it is most prevalent in America and the UK, especially with expat Irish communities. According to records, Mack Kelly was among the first Irish immigrants to arrive in what is now the United States in the 17th century.
The Mack Kelly surname is also more common in Canada than in Europe, as many families moved there during the Irish Famine between 1845 and 1852. Many Mack Kelly families settled in Canada’s Ontario and Maritime provinces, and can be found in cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.
In the present day, the majority of Mack Kelly’s descendants can be found in the USA, UK, and Canada. It is a surname associated with proud Irish heritage and a strong sense of community, and Mack Kelly’s descendants continue to honor their ancient ancestors with a deep love of ancestral roots.
Variations of the surname Mack Kelly
Mack Kelly is a surname with many variants, spellings, and even related surnames with shared origins. Variations of Mack Kelly include MacKelley, McKelley, MacKelle, McKelle, MacKel, McKel, MacKell, and McKell. Some of these variations might appear as if they can be two different names, but they all have the same origin and mean the same thing.
Another variation of Mack Kelly is MacKelly, McKelly, or MacKelley, which is sometimes seen with a double “L.” This is a result of the combination of the Gaelic Mac (meaning son of) and the name Kelly, and was used as a way to distinguish between branches of the Kelly family.
In some cases, you may see the name Mack Kelly spelled as Makkelly, Makkelley, Makklelly, or Makkell. This is a form of the name commonly used in Scotland, representing the Scottish pronunciation. Alternatively, you may see the name spelled as Mackkelly, McKelley, or McKelly.
The surnames Keel, Keeler, and Kele are other related surnames with shared origins to Mack Kelly. These surnames are derived from the Gaelic term “O’Caoil”, which is also the origin of the name Kelly.
When tracing the history of the Mack Kelly surname, it’s important to remember that there can be many variations and spellings, and some related surnames with the same origins.
Famous people with the name Mack Kelly
- Mackenzie Kelly: Actor and singer, best known for her role as Ethan or Gia in the Disney Channel series "Liv and Maddie".
- Max Kelly: Professional American Football player for the Carolina Panthers.
- Paul Mack: Former English cricketer.
- Richard Mack: Actor and producer known for his roles in Good Morning, Vietnam, Wayne's World, and The Rocketeer.
- Theo Mack: American-British entrepreneur and author known for his many books on classical music, jazz, and comedy.
- Ryan Macklin: Designer and writer of tabletop role-playing games and fiction.
- Fernando Mack: Former professional tennis player from Venezuela.
- Earl Mack: Former Major League Baseball outfielder.
- Matthew Mack: Musical artist, actor, and writer, most known for his contributions to the 8th and 9th Doctor Who series, as well as for his role in the musical film High School Musical.
- Alexander Mack: American professor, writer, and musician at the University of California, Berkeley.