Surname Mackemmie - Meaning and Origin

Mackemmie: What does the surname Mackemmie mean?

The surname Mackemmie is of Scottish origin and is considered rare. It derives from the Gaelic Mac Shimidh, which translates as "son of Sim". This in turn is short for "Simidh", a Scottish form of Simon, which has a biblical meaning of "he who hears". Simon was also a popular first name in the Middle Ages, leading to the creation of many patronymic surnames. However, specific meanings of the surname are tougher to define, as the significance and lifestyle associated with it have changed drastically over centuries. Today, individuals with the Mackemmie surname can be found primarily in the United States, Australia, and Canada, but its origins remain deeply rooted in the region of Scotland. In terms of specific clan affiliations, it is not directly associated with a known clan, although there might be connections to larger Scottish clans depending on the specific family history.

Mackemmie: Where does the name Mackemmie come from?

The surname Mackemmie is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "Mac Shamais", meaning "son of Seumas" or "son of James". The name is most commonly associated with the area of Lochaber in the Scottish Highlands. In the past, the Mackemmie family was a part of the larger MacDonald clan, Scotland's largest and most powerful clan during the Middle Ages. Like many Scottish surnames, Mackemmie spread to other parts of the world, particularly countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, due to emigration during the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Today, the name is found most frequently in these countries, although it remains relatively uncommon. The name can have multiple spelling variations, including MacKimmie, McKimmie, and McKemie, among others.

Variations of the surname Mackemmie

The surname Mackemmie has several variants and associated spellings due to regional dialects, phonetic spelling, and translation over the years. Some of the common and possible variants include Mackamie, Mackimmie, MacKemmy, MacKemme, Machemee, and Mackemmey.

This surname is believed to be of Scottish origin, specifically from the Gaelic clan MacJimie, MacJimmy, or MacKimmie. Following the Highland clearances in the 18th and 19th century, many Scottish emigrants Anglicized their surnames to fit into their new communities, thus leading to various spellings like Jimmie or Jimmy.

The Mac or Mc prefix in Scottish and Irish surnames usually means 'son of', so variations could also include names dropping this prefix, such as Kemmie or Kimmie. In some cases, it could also be prefixed by 'O' as in O'Kemmie or O'Kimmie, particularly in an Irish context.

Additionally, many surnames similar to Mackemmie could potentially trace their origin back to the Norse name Hakon, which became MacHakein in Gaelic and subsequently mac Ean, MacKean, McKeam, McKim, and other variants. However, this connection might not apply to all bearers of the name Mackemmie and its variants, as surnames can have multiple origins.

Famous people with the name Mackemmie

• Brooke MacKemmie: She is an American singer, songwriter, and model who specializes in R&B and funk.
• Craig MacKemmie: He is an Australian composer, singer-songwriter, and producer who has written music for many musicals and projects.
• Elisha MacKemmie: She is a Canadian actress and comedian who has had roles in a number of television series and films.
• James MacKemmie: He is a Scottish actor who starred in the television series Outlander.
• John MacKemmie: He was an American politician who served as Governor of Montana from 1905-1907.
• Katie MacKemmie: She is an American artist who creates abstract works of art.
• Marc MacKemmie: He is an American NFL football player who played for the Baltimore Ravens.
• Marie MacKemmie: She is a Canadian actress who appeared in a number of television films and series.
• Patrick MacKemmie: He is a British actor who has appeared in a number of films and television series.
• Ryan MacKemmie: He is an American professional golf player who is currently playing in the PGA Tour.

Other surnames

MacKemmin