Surname MacVey - Meaning and Origin
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MacVey: What does the surname MacVey mean?
The surname MacVey is of Scottish origin. It is a variation of the surname MacVey, which itself comes from the Gaelic MacBheatha, meaning “son of life.” The name has been found in documents as early as 1296, in Scotland. The MacVey clan was originally based in the Highlands and were followers of the Clan Chattan.
The MacVey name is still seen today in Scotland, with members of the MacVey clan claiming descent from a great warrior of the 14th century. It also has spread to other parts of the world, including Canada, the United States, and New Zealand.
The Clan MacVey is believed to be composed of intelligent, loyal, and hardworking individuals. They have been firm ambassadors of their Highland heritage, carrying with them a proud and distinguished legacy. They value family and are fiercely loyal to their clans. The MacVey motto is "Contemptus Periculorum," which translates to "Fearless of Danger."
The MacVey name lives on today, with people claiming descent from the clan still honoring their ancestors’ legacy of strength, courage, and resilience. Far from a forgotten relic of the past, the MacVey name is still celebrated and remembered by many.
Order DNA origin analysisMacVey: Where does the name MacVey come from?
The last name MacVey is most commonly found in Scotland, Ireland and the United States of America. In Scotland, the name MacVey is believed to be derived from the Gaelic Mac a'Mhaoighbhe, meaning "son of the handsome." It is found most commonly in Scotland's western Highlands and the Outer Hebrides islands. In Ireland, the MacVey surname is derived from the Irish Gaelic term Mac Aoidh, meaning "son of Aodh," or "son of fire." The name is most commonly found in the Irish counties of Antrim, Donegal, and Dublin, as well as in counties Waterford and Longford.
In the United States, the MacVey surname is found in large numbers throughout the country, but is particularly associated with areas in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Indiana. The earliest MacVey ancestors in the United States are believed to have come from the Hebrides islands and Northern Ireland during the 1700s and 1800s. Most MacVey families in the US descended from immigrants who landed in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware during that time.
Today, the last name MacVey is associated with Scotland, Ireland and the United States of America. It is particularly common in Scotch-Irish and German communities throughout the United States. It is also found occasionally in Canada and other parts of the world.
Variations of the surname MacVey
MacVey is an anglicized form of the Gaelic MacÉibhios, a patronymic surname meaning “son of Éibhear”. It is most commonly found in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire in southwestern Scotland.
Variations of the surname MacVey include Mavey, Mavee, MacEvey, MacEvee, Macavy and Macey. These variants can also appear with the prefix Mc or Mac, but the Vey spelling is most commonly used.
Alternative spellings of MacVey include MacAvey, MacAvee, MacAvie, MacCee, M'Avie and M'Avey.
The MacVey surname is also known by several other surnames originating from the same root, such as MackEvee, McVey, McEvey, and MacKevy. In some cases, these names have evolved into completely different surnames, such as Mcafee, MacEwan and Mccaffey.
It is important to note that many of the above versions are only found in certain regional dialects, and that the spelling of MacVey may vary between regions.
The surname MacVey is often confused with another Irish surname, MacVeigh, which is derived from the Gaelic Mac Uaidh. However, the surnames are distinct, and the two should not be confused.
Famous people with the name MacVey
- A.J. MacVey: A professional American soccer player for the North Carolina FC in the United Soccer League.
- Hamish MacVey: Scottish actor and voice artist.
- Lesley MacVey: Canadian actress.
- Kyle MacVey: American actor, director, producer, and world-record setting sky diver.
- Eleanor MacVey: Scottish musician and composer who has won three Scottish Awards for Traditional Music.
- Sean MacVey: Award-winning Irish musician and producer from County Clare.
- Andrew MacVey: Cartoonist and illustrator who works primarily in children's illustration, advertising, and comics.
- Richard H. MacVey: Author and Professor at Fordham University who wrote about personal money management and investment planning.
- Richard MacVey: Award-winning American Science Fiction and Fantasy author.
- René MacVey: British business executive and community activist.