Surname Shawkey - Meaning and Origin
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Shawkey: What does the surname Shawkey mean?
Shawkey is an anglicised form of the German surname Schauke. The original German surname Schauke is believed to be derived from the personal name Schauko, a diminutive of the name Scacco which was quite popular during the Middle Ages in different spellings all over Europe. While the exact meaning of the name is unclear, it is proposed that it may be related to the Middle Low German word "schacke", which translates to "pawn" or "chessman". Therefore, surnames derived from Schauko may possibly signify someone who plays chess or is like a pawn in character. As surnames developed, they often came to be tied to professions, nicknames or geographical areas, serving to distinguish between different families in the same community. It should be noted that without detailed genealogical research, the specific meaning and origin of the surname Shawkey could differ. Like many surnames, interpretations and origins can vary greatly based on historical and regional contexts.
Order DNA origin analysisShawkey: Where does the name Shawkey come from?
The last name Shawkey is most commonly found in the United States. In fact, according to the 2020 Census, it was the 4,514th most popular last name in the country. The most Shawkey-populated states are West Virginia and Pennsylvania, although it can be found across the country.
The Shawkey surname has a heavy concentration in the Appalachian Mountains region of West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee around the Appalachian cities of Wheeling, West Virginia; Akron, Ohio; and Charleston, West Virginia. This region was the homestead of many Shawkey families, and the region is known for its rugged geography and strong sense of regional pride and culture.
The Shawkey family has spread throughout the United States since its migration from its Appalachian region starting in the mid-1800s. Shawkeys have established themselves in communities throughout the United States, from California to Massachusetts. The Shawkey last name is still very much a part of the United States’ population today, and continues to be a part of American heritage and culture.
Variations of the surname Shawkey
Shawkey is an anglicized version of the Irish surname MacEachmharcaigh which is derived from the Irish word Mac meaning 'son'. The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Shawkey include:
MacEachmharcaigh: This is the original Irish spelling of the surname that has since been anglicized.
MacEachmhaoir: This is a variant form of the surname that is derived from the Irish word mór meaning 'great'.
MacEachair: This is a variant form of the surname that is derived from the Irish word Áchar, meaning 'outpouring'.
McEachron: This form of the surname is almost exclusively found among Scottish families surnamed Shawkey who trace their roots to the MacEachmharcaigh family from Donegal, Ireland.
MacKeon: This form of the surname is an altered version that is typically found among Shawkey families who have emigrated from Ireland to the United States.
MacKoy: This is a variant form of the surname derived from the Irish word cú meaning 'hound'.
MacQuaid: This is a variant form of the surname derived from the Irish word céad meaning 'first'.
Shawky: This spelling is typically found among Shawkey families who have emigrated from Ireland to the United Kingdom.
McQuay: This spelling is typically found among Shawkey families who have emigrated to Canada.
Shak: This form of the surname is found among Shawkey families who have emigrated from Ireland to the United States.
Shockey: This spelling is typically found among Shawkey families who have moved from Ireland to the United Kingdom.
MacWhirter: This is a variant form of the surname derived from the Scottish word for 'wheelwright'.
Famous people with the name Shawkey
- Matt Shawkey: Professional Racing Driver.
- Frank Shawkey: American Jazz Bandleader.
- Tim Shawkey: Professional Soccer Player.
- Scott Shawkey: American Artist, Musician, and Composer.
- Bob Shawkey: Former Major League Baseball Pitcher.
- Ted Shawkey: Comedian, Actor, and Radio/TV Personality.
- Howard Shawkey: Professional Music Educator and Violinist/Conductor.
- Bruce Shawkey: Professional Painter and Sculptor.
- Elijah Shawkey: Professional Musician/Composer and Producer.
- Johnny Shawkey: Former Major League Baseball Pitcher/Manager.
- Billy Shawkey: Professional Guitarist/Musician.
- Kay Shawkey: Professional Auctioneer and Appraiser.
- John Shawkey: Former Major League Baseball Manager/Organizational Member.
- Lance Shawkey: American Military Airmen.
- Dave Shawkey: Professional Golf Caddy.
- Bill Shawkey: Professional Hockey Coach/Scout.
- Joe Shawkey: Professional Musician/Producer and Music Engineer.
- Marissa Shawkey: Professional Beach Volleyball Player.
- Misty Shawkey: Professional Voice Actress.
- Dwight Shawkey: Professional Sound Engineer and Studio Producer.