Surname MacSymon - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacSymon: What does the surname MacSymon mean?
The last name MacSymon is an anglicized form of the Scottish Gaelic surname MacSitheamhnach, which means “son of Sitheamhach”. Sitheamhach is an Irish Gaelic personal name derived from the old Irish word síthe, meaning “peaceful”, and ákh, meaning “generous” or “largess”. The name is thought to have been derived from the old Irish god of hospitality and generosity, Siethennach.
The MacSymon family origins can be traced back to the 12th century in Argyll, Scotland, where the branch settled. Legend has it that the original clan chief, Lachlan MacSymon was known for his skill in battle and was the head of a formidable war band. His legacy has been passed down for generations, and today the MacSymon clan is still prominent in some parts of Scotland.
The MacSymon name is associated with a strong sense of ancestry, family unity, and responsibility. According to clan lore their motto is “Deeds not words”, emphasizing the need to uphold their proud heritage and values with action rather than words. They are a proud and passionate people, renowned for their hard work and loyalty.
The MacSymon family is said to have many stories to tell. In fact, many of Scotland’s famous stories and legends originated in the MacSymon homes, passed down through generations. The family is proud of their history, and the tales of their forefathers still live on today.
Order DNA origin analysisMacSymon: Where does the name MacSymon come from?
The last name MacSymon is usually found in Scotland where it originated in the 13th century. It is a variant of the Scottish surname MacShimus, which comes from the Gaelic Mac Siosamh, meaning "son of Simon". According to the General Register Office for Scotland, MacSymon is among the 100 most common surnames in the country.
The MacSymon name is also prevalent in England, Australia, and North America – particularly the United States and Canada. The first recorded MacSymon in North America was Alexander MacSymon who immigrated to Pennsylvania from Inverness in Scotland 1747. By the 19th century, there were MacSymon families all over North America.
Additionally, there are MacSymon families in Ireland, New Zealand, and parts of Europe. The diaspora is likely the result of the pull of economic opportunity and the push of poverty and famine in Scotland throughout its history.
Based on recent population trends, it is likely that the MacSymon name is most common in Canada and the United States. In Scotland, the name remains a common surname, but it is likely not as prevalent as it has been in the past, as many MacSymon families have emigrated to other parts of the world in search of greater economic opportunity.
Variations of the surname MacSymon
The variant, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname MacSymon include MacSimon, MacSymons, MacSimons, MacSymmons, and Symmington.
The Mac prefix in any of these spellings suggests that the surname arises from a Gaelic origin, which is usually associated with Scotland or Ireland. In Gaelic, the Mac prefix translates to ‘son of’, meaning that this surname is a patronymic, and is derived from the first name of the bearer's father. The name MacSymon is thought to be derived from Simon, a popular Biblical name meaning 'listening'.
The MacSymon surname may also be seen spelled as MacSimon, MacSymons, MacSimons, MacSymmons, or Symmington. The different spellings of the surname are likely to be the result of phonetic spelling, meaning that the local language was different enough from that of the original surname bearer that alternate spellings were introduced for easier pronunciation.
Variations on the spelling of MacSymon are known to exist across countries, regions, and even dialects. While the main spelling of MacSymon appears to be most popular in Scotland, other spellings of the surname, such as MacSimons, seem to be more popular in England, Wales, and Ireland. The spelling of Symmington, however, is likely to have originated in the United States, in the early twentieth century, as a simplified version of MacSymon.
In summary, the MacSymon surname seems to have a Gaelic patronymic origin, likely derived from Simon, and is found in many different spellings today, depending on the country or dialect.
Famous people with the name MacSymon
- Musician Angus MacSymon from the band The Proclaimers
- Professional rugby union player Jim MacSymon
- Actor Malcolm MacSymon
- Musician Aidan MacSymon of the ceilidh band Whisky Kiss
- Actor James MacSymon, who has appeared in many theater and TV productions
- Writer Sarah MacSymon, author of the mystery series, The Inquisitor
- Scottish actress Rona MacSymon, who starred in the 2014 movie, The Tale of Two
- Television presenter Donald MacSymon, who has appeared on BBC Scotland
- Renowned artist, Kenneth MacSymon, who is known for his work depicting the cityscapes of Scotland
- Comedian Kevin MacSymon, a mainstay of the comedy circuit in the UK