Surname MacMeadh - Meaning and Origin
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MacMeadh: What does the surname MacMeadh mean?
The last name MacMeadh is an anglicized version of the Gaelic MacMaoidh, which literally translates to "son of the prince" or "son of the noble one". It is believed to have originated in Scotland during the Middle Ages, and it is a very common surname throughout Scotland even today.
The name is derived from the Gaelic words "mac" meaning "son" and "maoidh" meaning "noble". In Scotland, the first Highlanders were believed to be the sons of Fergus Mormaer, the 11th century earl of Atholl. The name MacMeadh goes back to these Highland clans.
The clan of MacMeadh populated most of the area around Perthshire. The lands that were held by the MacMeadhs were inherited through primogeniture, meaning that the first-born son received the most land. Other members of the clan were granted small concessions, and this system of land inheritance was built around the social structure of the clan.
Today, the name MacMeadh can be found throughout Scotland, and many members of the clan have branched out and moved to other parts of Europe, North America, and even further abroad. Although the name is distinctively Scottish, there is still an underlying sense of pride in being a part of this aforementioned name and its origin.
Order DNA origin analysisMacMeadh: Where does the name MacMeadh come from?
The last name MacMeadh is mainly found in Ireland today. It is a Gaelic name and is part of the O'Neill family. It is also found scattered throughout Scotland, England, and Australia, although these countries do not have the concentration of it that Ireland does.
The name is most commonly associated with the Irish High King Niall MacMeadh (or Niall of the Nine Hostages). Niall's genealogy can be traced back 500-550 AD, and it is likely that he belonged to a powerful family of Irish rulers of the time.
The variant spellings of MacMeadh include McMeade and MacMeath. McMeade and MacMeath are commonly found in Scotland, England, and Australia, as the spelling evolved when the name was lifted from Irish to English.
The name is derived from the Gaelic words, "mea" meaning gentle, and "maithe" meaning generous, making the literal translation of the name 'gentle generous'.
Today, MacMeadh is still a popular name in Ireland with many of its descendants across the world still proudly carrying the name.
Variations of the surname MacMeadh
The surname MacMeadh is derived from the Gaelic Mac Mhíde, which means ‘son of the meek one’. This surname is most commonly found in Ireland and Scotland.
The most common variant for the name MacMeadh is MacMead. Other variants of the name include MacMeath, MacMiadhach, MacMihd, MacMeid and MacMey.
Spelling variants in England include MacMoid, MacMeead, MacMawd, MacMeid and MacMayd.
There are also several related surnames that stem from the same root as MacMeadh. These include MacKead, MacQuaid, MacMeade, MacFecket, MacKitt, MacWhidd, MacKiddy and MacKiddie.
The related surname MacMoy is derived from the Gaelic Mac Moighde, and translates to ‘son of the noble one’. Variants of this include MacMoy, MacMoye, MacMoyes, MacMoyne, MacMoyn and MacMoyns.
Other related surnames include MacMee, MacMeer, MacMuer, Mac Mure and MacMurphy. The surname MacMurphy is derived from the old Irish name Mac Murchadha, which translates to ‘son of the sea warrior’. Variants of this include MacMurfy and MacMurfie.
In conclusion, the surname MacMeadh has many variants, spellings and related surnames stemming from the same origin.
Famous people with the name MacMeadh
- Arvind MacMeadh: Indian playback singer, lyricist, actor, and businessman.
- Sam MacMeadh: Irish poet and short story writer.
- Patrick MacMeadh: Scottish mathematician and physicist.
- Shawna MacMeadh: American historian and literary critic.
- Josie MacMeadh: British detective novelist.
- Tal MacMeadh: Canadian television personality, comedian, and author.
- Justin MacMeadh: American actor and comedian.
- Jack MacMeadh: Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.
- Daisy MacMeadh: Welsh actor and theatre director.
- Finn MacMeadh: American artist, animator, and film director.