Surname McAbee - Meaning and Origin

McAbee: What does the surname McAbee mean?

The surname McAbee is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic term "Mac an Aba," which translates as "son of the abbot". This indicates that the earliest ancestors bearing this surname were most likely descendants or servants of an abbot, a high-ranking clergyman in the Catholic Church. The surname suggests a particular religious affiliation or ecclesiastical smheritance. Like many other Irish surnames, McAbee is also found in Scotland, due to historical movements and interactions between the people of these two nations. However, interpretations of the surname can vary, and tracing exact origins can be complicated due to historical changes in spelling. Nevertheless, the enduring association of the McAbee name with Ireland underscores a rich cultural and historical heritage.

McAbee: Where does the name McAbee come from?

The surname McAbee is of Irish and Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac an Aba," meaning "son of the abbot." The surname suggests a familial connection with an abbot in the lineage.

Over history, the name has been spelt in several ways, including MacAbby, MacCabe, and MacAbee. Many such names were altered as families emigrated, often in search of better opportunities. Hence, the variations in spelling the surname depend on when and where the bearers of the McAbee surname live.

Today, the name McAbee is not particularly common. However, its highest occurrence is in the United States, potentially a result of Irish and Scottish immigration in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Although its concentration isn't associated with any specific region, public records indicate a significant existence in the southern states. This family name was found in South Carolina in the 18th century and spread outwards from there. It is also relatively common in Canada, again, likely because of the historical immigration patterns. Despite its origins, it is not notably prevalent in Ireland or Scotland today.

Variations of the surname McAbee

The surname McAbee, commonly found in Ireland and Scotland, has several variations owing to regional transcriptions, translations, and changes over time. Some of these variations might include: MacAbee, MacAbbie, MacCabe, McCabe, MacAbbe, McAbbie, McAbby, McCabee, and Maccabee.

The surname may also appear without the Irish or Scottish prefix "Mac" or "Mc," resulting in versions such as Abbee, Abbie, Abby, or even Cabe. Such name variants are often the result of anglicisation throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, where Gaelic names were made to sound more English.

Additionally, phonetic translations may result in additional variations. These are translations based on how the name sounds rather than how it is spelled. Because accents and pronunciation can vary dramatically from place to place, these phonetic translations can be quite diverse.

Some surnames might have the similar origin as McAbee such as MacCabe or MacCabey, derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Cába", from the Old Irish personal name Cába, suggestive of a cloak or cape.

Famous people with the name McAbee

• Ryan McAbee: actor known for his roles as Frank in the movie Doomsday and Jesse in the television show Blue Bloods.
• Kylee McAbee: actor known for her roles in the television shows Like Family, Varsity Blues, and Gilmore Girls.
• Daisy McAbee: British curler who competed in the 2018 Olympics.
• Alex MacAbee: professional wrestler and YouTube star.
• Percy McAbee: former professional American football player in the NFL who played for the New York Giants.
• Schyler McAbee: Canadian singer-songwriter and country music artist.
• Elizabeth McAbee: studio artist and instructor who works in photography, mixed media, and printmaking.
• Blanco McAbee: American rapper and songwriter from Los Angeles.
• Errol McAbee: Irish Gaelic football player who played with the Dublin Senior Football team in the All-Ireland Football Championship.
• Alice McAbee: British-born writer, journalist, and critic who wrote extensively on film, literature, art, and other topics.

Other surnames

McAben