Surname MacReavey - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacReavey: What does the surname MacReavey mean?
The last name MacReavey is an Irish surname of Scottish origin, stemming from the Gaelic MacRath meaning "son of grace". It was most commonly found in County Cavan, Ireland and is similar to many other Irish surnames starting with Mac, such as MacCauley, MacCormack, and MacLachlan.
The meaning behind the MacReavey surname is likely more symbolic than literal, as grace was an important concept during the Middle Ages. In their family crest, a single ostrich feather symbolizes a graceful and well-mannered way of living, conveying noble aspirations.
The MacReaveys are likely descendants of Irish nobility or at least a landed family. Although their great fortune or social position may have been lost, the family name is an unbroken link to generations of secure lineage, and the fact that they remained in Ireland throughout the centuries of struggle and displacement is a testament to their Irish heritage.
The roots of the family can be traced back to the O’Reaveys or O’Raveys who were powerful local chieftains or landowners. Since then, the MacReaveys have intermarried or settled in many counties within Ireland. Today, the MacReaveys are found all around the world, though still maintaining a strong connection with their Irish roots.
Order DNA origin analysisMacReavey: Where does the name MacReavey come from?
The last name MacReavey is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, primarily in Scotland and Northern Ireland. According to research from The National Trust, MacReaveys were recorded in Northern Ireland in 1699, suggesting that the surname has been around for over 400 years.
The spelling of "MacReavey" is a variation of the Irish "MacRuaidhri," meaning "son of Ruaidhri," so it is likely the family originated in Ireland before spreading to Scotland and England. MacRuaidhri was a personal name typically given to the son of a King of Connacht or other Irish dynasty.
Today, MacReavey is most commonly found in urban areas in England and Scotland with Belfast and London having the highest occurrences. In smaller towns, the name is rarer; however, as of 2019 estimates suggest that there were over 500 individuals with the surname MacReavey living in the United Kingdom.
While it is not as common today as it once was, MacReavey is still recognized as a proud family name with a great heritage. As it continues to live on across generations, the MacReavey surname is likely to remain part of British culture and history for many years to come.
Variations of the surname MacReavey
The surname MacReavey has a variety of different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. MacReavey is a variant spelling of the surname MacReevy, a derivation of the Irish surname Mac an Riabhaigh which is actually the Gaelic meaning for 'son of T. Riabhaigh'.
MacReevy is another spelling of MacReavey and has been found in various parts of Ireland and Scotland. Another variant of the surname is the spelling Mac Rievey. These three spellings all derive from the same root name as ‘MacReevy’, although MacReavey and MacRievey are more popular in Ireland, while MacReevy is more common in Scotland.
The surname has also been anglicized to various other surnames, such as MacReavy, MacRapheal, McCreevy, McCrivoy, MacRoye, MacRoy, and MacRuaidh. It is also possible to find the surname spelled MacRivy in some records, as well as McCravy and MacGrevie.
These various spellings of the surname can lead to confusion for aspiring genealogists and family researchers. Knowing the original Gaelic spelling and an understanding of soundex principles can often help determine the connection between the different spellings and surnames. All spellings of the surname are ultimately derived from the original Gaelic meaning ‘son of T. Riabhaigh’.
Famous people with the name MacReavey
- Arden MacReavey: singer-songwriter and musician from Australia.
- Ryan MacReavey: American actor.
- Barry MacReavey: voice actor and character animator.
- David MacReavey: Irish Gaelic football player and manager.
- Cameron MacReavey: Canadian professional ice hockey player.
- Harley MacReavey: English musician, singer, and songwriter.
- Douglas MacReavey: Scottish footballer and manager.
- Sean MacReavey: Canadian basketball player.
- Desmond MacReavey: Irish rugby player.
- Mark MacReavey: American racing driver.
- Daniel MacReavey: Australian surfer.
- Donald MacReavey: Scottish Conservative Party politician.
- Sir Henry MacReavey: former Ulster Unionist Senator in Northern Ireland.
- Martin MacReavey: Northern Irish politician and Sinn Féin member.
- Niamh MacReavey: Irish singer.
- Gerard MacReavey: Northern Irish Gaelic football player.
- Jackie MacReavey: Scottish professional darts player.
- Neil MacReavey: Canadian fencing champion.
- Siobhan MacReavey: Irish artist.
- Lucas MacReavey: Canadian model and actor.