Surname MacKevitt - Meaning and Origin

MacKevitt: What does the surname MacKevitt mean?

The last name MacKevitt is of Irish origin, and is derived from the Gaelic “Mac Oibheartaigh”, meaning “son of Oibheartach”. The first recorded use of the surname dates back to the fifteenth century in County Leitrim, Ireland. It is believed to have descended from the Nialls of Ailech, an ancient dynasty in the medieval kingdom of Tir Oilealla.

The MacKevitts have made a significant impact in many fields, from politics to art and literature. Today, there are families of MacKevitts located throughout Ireland, Europe, North America and Australia.

The MacKevitts have a rich history in Irish culture, as they were believed to be a powerful force of resistance during the Irish Rebellion of 1641-2. During this time, MacKevitts fought alongside other Irish clans in defense of the Catholic religion and land rights.

Today, MacKevitts tend to be a very close knit family, although each branch of the family has its own traditions, stories and traits. The MacKevitts maintain a strong sense of identity, with many of them proudly displaying the family crest, which features a cross, a lance, and a hand reaching out in friendship.

Overall, the name MacKevitt is highly respected and well known in Ireland and beyond. It's associated with strength, honour, faith and loyalty, and will continue to be passed on for generations to come.

MacKevitt: Where does the name MacKevitt come from?

The last name MacKevitt is common today in Ireland, especially in Counties Donegal, Sligo, and Cavan.

The name is derived from the Irish Mac Céifte, a patronymic surname meaning “son of Céifte”, which is an old Irish personal name of uncertain meaning. The name was brought to Ireland by settlers from Scotland in the late 16th century.

Today, MacKevitt is a relatively uncommon last name, making up less than 1% of the population in Ireland. In the United States, the name MacKevitt is most prevalent in New York and Florida.

Over the years, the spelling of the name has changed, and it is now commonly found spelled as MacKevitt, MacKevit, MacKewitt, MacKewitt, Mackwit, McKevitt or McKewitt.

Despite its rarity, the name MacKevitt remains most commonly associated with Ireland today. Trace your MacKevitt ancestors, and you may discover links to some of the great families of old Ireland. For example, some MacKevitts can trace their roots to Clan Milaramade, a Sligo-based clan from the 11th–13th century, or possibly to the Maguires of Fermanagh, one of the great and powerful dynasties of mediaeval Ireland.

Variations of the surname MacKevitt

MacKevitt is a rare Irish surname of mostly unknown origin. Variants of MacKevitt include MacKavett, MacKavitt, and MacKeevitt. Spellings that were used before recordkeeping became standardised in the 1880s include MacKavete and MacKreset. Common surnames of similar origin and spelling are MacKevitt, MacKavit, and MacKivett.

The 17th-century Gaelic spelling of the surname was usually Mac Giolla Mhic Sheamhaight. This translates as ‘son of the devotee of St. Kevitt’. Another variant of the MacKevitt surname is Geevett or Gevett, which may be an Anglicised spelling of the original Gaelic form.

MacKevitt is mostly found in Counties Cork, Kerry, and Tipperary, though there are small pockets of the surname in other counties. The surname ranks amongst the top 3000 most common surnames in Ireland, with roughly 400 bearers.

Early records of the MacKevitt surname include a William McGivet recorded in County Cork in 1609, and a William MacKevitt found in the Tithe Applotment Books of 1822 in Barony of Clanmorris, County Mayo. Over the past three centuries, there have been numerous reports of bearers of the surname emigrating to Australia, Canada, the United States, and other nations.

Today, MacKevitt is still a relatively uncommon surname. Though it is not as numerous as it once was, it is still largely confined to the southwestern counties of Ireland. Many of the earlier spellings are no longer in use, though they may provide further insight into the genealogy of present day MacKevitts.

Famous people with the name MacKevitt

• Craig Mackievitt: Football Manager and Founder of Pro Football Academy
• Peter Mackievitt: Lead Vocals and Songwriter for Band The K-Ninez
• Ryan Mackievitt: Irish Actor and Singer
• Nicole Mackievitt: Irish Actor
• Nial Mackievitt: Award Winning Irish Makeup Artist
• Sean Mackievitt: Irish Film Producer
• Enda Mackievitt: Photographer and Visual Artist
• Barry Mackievitt: Arena Football Player
• Robert Mackievitt: Canadian Environmentalist and Local Activist
• Terry Mackievitt: Former NHL Goaltender
• Aidan Mackievitt: Paralympic Athlete, Winner of Three Gold Medals in 2002 Winter Games
• Valeria Mackievitt: TV Actress and Actress for TV Movie "The Doubtful Guest"
• Liam Mackievitt: Irish Film Actor
• Graham Mackievitt: British-American Composer and Film Score Artist
• Maureen Mackievitt: Irish Actress, Featured in Films such as "The Magdalene Sisters" and "The Wind That Shakes the Barley"
• Richard Mackievitt: President and CEO of Mackievitt Corporation
• Thomas Mackievitt: UK Entrepreneur and Founder of Moving Pictures Studio
• Patrick Mackievitt: Irish Novelist and Poet
• Adelle Mackievitt: Irish Singer and Songwriter
• Pauline Mackievitt: British Actress, Featured in BBC Series "The Bill"
• Marion Mackievitt: Australian Actor and Voiceover Performer
• Kara Mackievitt: American Playwright and Producer
• Anthony Mackievitt: NFL Punter
• Gabrielle Mackievitt: artist best known for her colorful abstract paintings
• Jonathan Mackievitt: British Rapper and Record Producer

Other surnames

MackevichMacKevin