Surname MacLice - Meaning and Origin
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MacLice: What does the surname MacLice mean?
The last name MacLice is thought to have originated in the Scottish Highlands, where it was originally the Gaelic name MacAnLeis. The name is derived from the Irish Gaelic words "mac" meaning "son" and "an leis" meaning "united" or "association." As such, this could suggest that the original bearer of the name was either born from a family united through marriage or had multiple occupations associated with one another.
The MacLice surname can also have a variety of meaning based on different regions and interpretations. In Ireland, for example, MacLice has been interpreted to mean "son of the earth" or "son of the sea". Other interpretations have suggested that the MacLice surname is derived from the Old English "licce", which is how we get the modern day surname "Lacey". This surname would have originally been used to describe someone who lived near lough or lake, as well as someone who had a vocation associated with water such as a fisherman.
Historically, the spelling of MacLice has varied. In some instances, the surname has been spelled MacLish, MacLise, MacLeish, and even McLish. Many of these variations suggest that the original Gaelic spelling of the surname may have been Mac an Leis, which has since evolved over time.
Overall, MacLice is an ancient Scottish surname with a wide variety of interpretations. It is thought to have originated from the Gaelic words "mac" and "an leis", meaning "son of the union". However, depending on regional dialects, it could also have been interpreted to mean "son of the earth" or "son of the sea". Additionally, the spelling of the surname has changed over time, with different regional variations being used.
Order DNA origin analysisMacLice: Where does the name MacLice come from?
The last name MacLice is not an especially common one, as it is derived from a very specific Scottish and Irish clan. In Scotland, the majority of the MacLice families live in Aberdeenshire and Inverness-shire. These families are one of the oldest clans in the area and arguably have the most prominent lineage in the region.
MacLice families are also found on the Isle of Skye, and some have remained living there since the twelfth century. However, the majority of MacLice families are now found in Ireland, mostly in counties such as Galway, Mayo, and Kerry.
Given the length of time the MacLice clan has existed, it is not surprising that the name has spread through other countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. In the United States, the name MacLice can be found in various states such as Massachusetts, New York, and Indiana, as well as other states.
Today, very few MacLice families remain in Scotland, but the name is still prominent and widely known in Ireland and the other countries where Irish clans migrated. The surviving Scottish MacLice lines are more likely to be found in Ireland, where it remains a strong and proud heritage.
Variations of the surname MacLice
The MacLice surname is derived from the Gaelic-language MacLiosa, which is the Anglicized form of the Gaelic MacLeòid. It is most commonly found in Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man.
Variants of MacLice include McLees, McLees, McClees, McCleese, McLice, McCiss, McCyce, McCysse, MacLuce, MacLece, MacLeish, McCloyce, MacCoyce, MacLeask, MacLock, MacLack, MacLeise, MacLeash, MacLeoch, and MacLiosa.
Spellings of MacLice may also appear as MacLise, MacLys, MacLese, MacLisse, MacLisea, and MacLissa. There are also variants that have experienced variations in spelling over time, such as MacLysse, MacLoise, MacLyse, MacLyes, and MacLes.
In addition to the above-mentioned variants, surnames of the same origin as MacLice includes MacLish, MacLoise, MacLoss, MacLois, MacLoyce, MacLola, MacLeese, McLisky, McLoy, McLoose, McLoosh, McLoosey, McLoyes, and McLoosey.
It is worth noting that many of the variants and spellings of the MacLice surname may have been lost over time, as the Gaelic language fell out of popular usage and was replaced by English.
Famous people with the name MacLice
- Bradley MacLice: Canadian Actor, best known for roles in television shows such as Trailer Park Boys and Get a Life.
- Baxter MacLice: Canadian Actor and Musician, best known for roles in movies like The Marsh and the Horrible Bosses series.
- John MacLice: Canadian Actor and Voice Actor, best known for roles in television shows such as Smallville and Warehouse 13.
- Philip MacLice: British Actor, best known for his roles in films such as The King’s Speech and The Death of Stalin.
- Emma MacLice: Canadian Actress and Singer, best known for roles in films such as Anne of Green Gables and Hairspray.
- Gabby MacLice: Canadian Actress and Dancer, best known for roles in television series such as The X-Files and Suits.
- Kate MacLice: Canadian Actress, best known for roles in television series such as Degrassi: The Next Generation and The Bold and the Beautiful.
- Mireille MacLice: Canadian Actress and Voice Actress, best known for roles in films such as Little Red Riding Hood and Lilo & Stitch.
- Michael MacLice: British Actor, best known for roles in television series such as Doctor Who and Casualty.
- Thomas MacLice: Canadian Actor and Producer, best known for roles in television series such as Earth: Final Conflict and Whistler.