Surname McCADY - Meaning and Origin

McCADY: What does the surname McCADY mean?

The surname McCady is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Cathaigh," where "Mac" means son of and "Cathaigh" is derived from "cathach," which means "warlike" or "battle." So, the surname McCady generally translates to "son of the battle or warlike one." It is a patronymic surname which was given to a son who was recognized for his father's notable characteristics or achievements, in this case, possibly indicating a warrior or a soldier. Please note that spelling and pronunciation of surnames have changed significantly over centuries. McCady may thus have several variations such as McCaddy, McCade, and others. As families with this surname migrated, the name also adapted to different cultures and languages. Despite its variations and adaptations, the root meaning generally stays relevant.

McCADY: Where does the name McCADY come from?

The surname McCady is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name Mac Caodh, meaning "son of Caoth". The name Caoth is of uncertain origin, but it's believed that it could either mean gentle or fire.

The surname McCady is not common and it is mostly found in the United States today, with a few families in Canada and Australia. There are several alternative spellings, including McCaddy, McAddy, and others, each with their own distribution. In Ireland, the surname is more commonly found in its original form or as McCaidy or McCay.

An exact origin within Ireland is difficult to pinpoint due to the various spellings and anglicization of the name over the years. The McCady name, like many Irish surnames, would have likely spread around the world through the Irish diaspora during the 19th and early 20th centuries when many Irish people emigrated due to famine and seeking better opportunities. Please note that the availability of specific, detailed records may be limited.

Variations of the surname McCADY

The surname McCady has various modifications and derivatives owing to the different phonetic interpretations and spellings by bearers over time. One most probable root of this surname is the Irish surname "Mac Caddy". Considering the diverse ways surnames can change over time, various spellings and variants potentially include MacCady, MacCaddy, McCaddy, Mcady, MacAdie, McKady or even Mckaddy.

Some may have dropped the 'Mc' or 'Mac' prefix leading to variations like Cady, Caddy, or Ady. Others could have anglicized it to forms like Cody or Coady. In some instances, the 'Mc' or 'Mac' prefix could be capitalized or not, exemplified as Macady or mcCady. Also, surnames can often be phonetic in nature and thus McAddy, MacAdy, or McKaddy might represent same-origin alternatives.

Keep in mind that while these are potential versions of the McCady surname, each individual spelling could have its unique origins and history. Therefore, genealogical research should be carried out to confirm any assumptions.

Famous people with the name McCADY

• Kaleb McCady: American former child actor who appeared in several television series in the 1990s and early 2000s, including The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and That's So Raven.
• Michael McCady: American actor who has appeared in films like I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, Drag Me to Hell, and Longtime Companion.
• Nicole McCady: American actress best known for her role in the movie After the Sunset where she played a cocktail waitress.
• John McCady: American basketball coach and former head coach at the University of Hawaii from 1983 to 1986.
• Malcolm McCady: American football player who played in the NFL for the Houston Oilers from 1993 to 1997.
• Blake McCady: American former professional ice hockey player who played in the NHL for the Colorado Avalanche and the New Jersey Devils.
• Sean McCady: British-American Actor, known for his roles in The Jungle Book and Fatherhood.
• Evelyn McCady: American singer, songwriter, and composer best known for her single "Come on In".
• Taurean McCady: American film and television actor most notable for his role as Wesley on the hit series Girlfriends.
• Donna McCady: Canadian-born American actress who appeared in the soap opera series As the World Turns in the 1980's.

Other surnames

McCadamsMcCADDIE