Surname MacShaffrey - Meaning and Origin
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MacShaffrey: What does the surname MacShaffrey mean?
The last name MacShaffrey is derived from the Gaelic form MacSeafraigh, with the prefix Mac meaning "son of" and Seafraigh translating to "happiness". This suggests that the MacShaffrey clan originated with someone who was known for spreading joy.
The MacShaffrey surname is most commonly associated with families having their roots in the Uí Fiachrach Aidhne, which was an ancient territory located in what is now known as County Galway. This Gaelic region was taken by the Anglo-Normans in the late 12th century and the families living there began to adopt the more English form of the surname MacShaffrey.
Throughout history, the MacShaffrey surname can be found across the Irish diaspora. Many members of the MacShaffrey clan emigrated to countries such as Scotland, England, and the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries in search of better economic opportunities and a new way of life.
Today, there are still a number of people who carry the MacShaffrey surname. These folks continue to share the same roots as the original members of the family and their joyous spirit is sure to remain alive for generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisMacShaffrey: Where does the name MacShaffrey come from?
The MacShaffrey surname is most commonly found today in countries with strong Irish heritage, specifically in Ireland and the United Kingdom. MacShaffreys can also be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and even South Africa, albeit in smaller numbers.
The MacShaffrey surname originated from Mac Suibhne, an old and popular Anglicized form of the Irish surname. The prefix 'Mac' means 'son of' and 'Suibhne' is derived from the Gaelic personal name 'Suibhne', meaning 'well-going' or ‘pleasant'.
The name has been in existence in Ireland and Britain since at least the 15th century, when it was first found in the records of Co. Galway in the province of Connaught. This area is an important geographic area for Irish surnames as it was under constant settlement since the Middle Ages.
In the United States, the MacShaffrey name is most popular in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Michigan, Virginia, Maryland, and California. The suburbs and other townships of Philadelphia and New York City in particular boast a significantly higher population of MacShaffreys than the national average.
Today, the MacShaffrey name is carried by many people with both short, medium, and longer Irish heritage. The MacShaffreys of today remain proud of their Irish heritage and keep their traditional culture alive through literature, music, dance, and oral tradition.
Variations of the surname MacShaffrey
MacShaffrey is a surname derived from the Old Irish Mac Shamhradháin. This is a patronymic surname meaning "son of Shamhradhán." Variations of this surname include MacSherry, MacSharry, and Shaffrey.
The variants MacSherry and MacSharry also stem from the Gaelic Mac Shamhradháin, but are just alternate spellings. Sometimes, the Gaelic spelling can be further altered and adapted into different variants. For instance, mac sherry can be shortened to M'Sherry in order to help improve pronunciation for those speaking English.
The shortened variant MacSharvey is also sometimes used and is more common in the United States. The surname Shaffrey is simply an Anglicized form of the Gaelic original.
MacShaffrey is a relatively uncommon surname and is especially common to Irish surnames. It is most commonly found in Ireland and Scotland, though it is also found in the United States, Canada, England, and Australia. The original form of this surname, MacShamhradháin, is still common in some parts of Ireland today.
Famous people with the name MacShaffrey
- Emma MacShaffrey, Actress. Emma MacShaffrey has appeared in films such as ‘The Favourite’, ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’ and ‘Killing Eve’.
- Sean MacShaffrey, Singer. Sean MacShaffrey is a pupular Irish singer who rose to fame after appearing on the Irish TV show ‘The Voice’.
- Kevin MacShaffrey, Politician. Kevin MacShaffrey is an UK politician, and has been an MP representing the St. Helier district since 2015.
- Rod MacShaffrey, Writer. Rod MacShaffrey is a bestselling author and screenwriter. He has written works such as ‘The Woman in the Walls’ and ‘The Fire Engine’.
- Amy MacShaffrey, Chef. Amy MacShaffrey is a renowned chef and the owner of two popular restaurants in London.
- Mary MacShaffrey, Athlete. Mary MacShaffrey is an Irish athlete who has won several national titles in track and field.
- Bridget MacShaffrey, Painter. Bridget MacShaffrey is an award-winning visual artist whose works can be found in galleries and private collections around the world.
- Heather MacShaffrey, Politician. Heather MacShaffrey is a Scottish nationalist and politician who served as an MP and member of the Scottish Parliament for Glasgow between 2007 and 2011.
- Tom MacShaffrey, Actor. Tom MacShaffrey is an Australian actor known for his roles in films such as ‘Crocodile Dundee’, ‘The Castle’ and ‘The Man from Snowy River’.
- Joseph MacShaffrey, Scientist. Joseph MacShaffrey is a Nobel Prize-winning physicist who has made significant contributions to the study of quantum mechanics.