Surname MacLysaght - Meaning and Origin
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MacLysaght: What does the surname MacLysaght mean?
The last name MacLysaght is an Anglicized version of the Irish surname Mac Giolla Seachlainn, which is derived from the Irish elements Mac (son), Giolla (lad or servant), Seachlainn (name of a Church founder). The literal translation is "son of the servant of Seachlainn" or "servant of Seachlainn’s son".
The name is one of many that are derived from the names of early Irish church founders, which were commonly adopted by their descendants and used as surnames. This use of church founders or saints as surnames began around the 10th century in Ireland and was most common in the late medieval period.
It is a widely used surname throughout Ireland, but is especially common in the province of Munster. In the modern day, many people of Irish-descent the world over share the surname MacLysaght, as many Irish emigrants of the 19th and 20th centuries chose to Anglicize their surnames to make them more easily pronounceable in their new homes.
By tracing its origin and the times in which it was adopted, it is clear that the surname MacLysaght is a testament to the long history of Celtic-Gaelic culture and to the ways in which surnames have evolved over time.
Order DNA origin analysisMacLysaght: Where does the name MacLysaght come from?
The last name MacLysaght is most commonly seen today in Ireland, particularly in County Cork. It originated in the area of Tipperary, where it has been found since at least as early as the 15th century. According to historians, the family descends from a member of the Norman de Leicester family, who had settled in Ireland in the 12th century. The name is thought to derive from the Irish name "Mac Giolla Sheachtaigh," which is made up of the words for "son of the Servant of God."
The last name MacLysaght is found throughout Ireland today, particularly in Munster Province. In addition, many people of Irish descent living in the United States are known to bear the last name. The name is particularly well-known as one of the most prominent Irish surnames, as its spelling and pronunciation have remained fairly consistent over time.
The name is also still well known as part of Irish cultural heritage because of its links to the works of heraldist Dr. Edward MacLysaght who spent much of his career undertaking intense research into Irish families and their surnames. His well known works, such as "Irish Families: Their Names, Arms, and Origins" and "More Irish Families", have left an indelible mark in Ireland and abroad.
Variations of the surname MacLysaght
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname MacLysaght are Mac Liosa, Mac Lysa, Mac Liosach, McLisa, McLysaght, and MacLysacht. MacLysaght is an Irish clan name of Gaelic origin that comes from Mac Giolla Iosa, which means “son of the devotee of Jesus”.
The surname MacLysaght has been passed down from generation to generation. This surname was especially popular among the families of Munster, Counties Clare and Cork in Ireland. The earliest records of the surname date back to medieval times in the mid-16th century.
The MacLysaght surname has evolved over time into many different spellings and forms such as MacLysacht, McLisa and MacLiosach. The most common spelling variations are McLisacht, McLisa, MacLisach, McLysaght and Mac Lysa.
MacLysaght is an anglicized form of the name and can be found throughout the county of Ireland, Scotland, Canada and the United States. Families of the same surname may have different spellings due to varying regional dialects and pronunciation styles. Regardless of the spelling, the meaning and origin of the surname remain the same.
Famous people with the name MacLysaght
- Michael MacLysaght: Irish evolutionary biologist and genetics professor at Trinity College Dublin.
- Ed MacLysaght: Irish Chief Herald from 1948–1963.
- Edward MacLysaght: Father of Ed MacLysaght, Benedictine monk and Irish genealogist.
- Niall MacLysaght: Professor Emeritus of Genetics at Trinity College Dublin and former professor of Hereditary Disease.
- Bran Kiernan MacLysaght: Irish historian, writer, and actor, the son of Ed MacLysaght.
- Pat Pigott MacLysaght: Wife of Ed MacLysaght.
- Kenneth F. MacLysaght: British botanist at University College London.
- Eoin MacLysaght: Irish evolutionary biologist and former senior lecturer at Trinity College Dublin.
- Thomas Charles Clogher MacLysaght: Irish historian and genealogist.
- Clare Pigott MacLysaght: Daughter of Ed and Pat MacLysaght.