Surname MacAvey - Meaning and Origin
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MacAvey: What does the surname MacAvey mean?
The last name MacAvey has an origin that can be traced to Scotland and Ireland. In Scotland it is derived from the Gaelic Mac Oiseam, meaning "son of Oiseam". In Ireland it is derived from the Irish surname Mac a' Mhuaidh, meaning "son of Muaidh".
MacAvey is a surname with many meanings, such as "son of the wealthy one" or "son of the one who causes joy". Throughout Scotland, the name became used as an honorary title often passed down in families to designate a head of the family or a respected elder.
The MacAvey name typically appears in records since the time of medieval Scotland and variations of the name have been found in records dating as far back as 1150. In Ireland, the surname appears in the Annals of the Four Masters for the year 1132, with the spelling Mac Gavvey.
Because of its Gaelic roots, the MacAvey name has stood as a symbol of strength and courage among the Highland Clans of Scotland. It has been an unexpected source of pride for many modern Scots and Irish, and has even spread as far as the United States, where it is still seen today. The MacAvey name is still used in Scotland and Ireland today as a proud reminder of the strong clans and families from which they originated.
Order DNA origin analysisMacAvey: Where does the name MacAvey come from?
The last name MacAvey is of Scottish origin and is most commonly found in the United Kingdom. It is especially prevalent in Northern Ireland. Primarily an Ulster surname, MacAvey is usually found in counties such as Tyrone, Derry, Fermanagh, and Donegal. It is rare in other parts of the United Kingdom.
MacAvey is derived from the Gaelic Mac Aoidh, meaning "son of Aodh", which in turn is a cognate of the Hebrew name Hugh. The surname is related to the clans McAfee and Macveigh.
The MacAvey last name has spread from the United Kingdom to North America, where it is becoming more common in the United States and Canada. It is especially popular in Ontario, New York, and Washington, D.C., and also appears in California, Oregon, and Georgia. The name has also been found in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Though widely dispersed, the name MacAvey is most prominent in the area of its origin, the British Isles. people bearing the name are especially likely to be found in the living in the Northern Ireland counties of Derry, Tyrone, and Fermanagh.
Variations of the surname MacAvey
The surname MacAvey is an anglicized version of the Gaelic surname Mac Aoidh. It is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Aodh”. Aodh was an old personal name derived from the name Aedh, which is of uncertain meaning, but may be related to the Proto-Celtic root *aud which meant “fire”.
Variants of the MacAvey surname include MacAvey, MacAuley, McAuley, MacGawley, MacGawley, MacCawley, MacCauley, MacCaull and MacHowley.
Variations of the MacAvey surname, which may indicate different origins, include MacCaw, MacKaull, MacKaw and MacGaw.
Surnames commonly associated with the MacAvey surname include MacAuley, McAuley, MacGawley, MacCauley, MacCaull and MacHowley, which are all derivatives of MacAvey. Other surnames associated with the MacAvey surname include McCawley, Caull, Cauley, MacGaw, MacKaull, MacKaw and MacGaw.
The surname MacAvey can be found all over the world, but is chiefly found in Scotland and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, it is found in Aberdeenshire and Irish counties Cork and Belfast. In Northern Ireland, the surname can be found in Counties of Antrim, Armagh, Down and Tyrone.
Famous people with the name MacAvey
- Melinda MacAvey: American television and film actress
- David MacAvey: Scottish actor and comedian
- Christina MacAvey: Canadian actress
- Derek MacAvey: British actor
- Malcolm MacAvey: American musician and composer
- James MacAvey: Canadian businessman
- Robert MacAvey: Australian politician
- Nicholas MacAvey: Irish actor and producer
- John MacAvey: British painter and sculptor
- Patricia MacAvey: American author
- Mark MacAvey: Australian author
- William MacAvey: American actor
- Donald MacAvey: Scottish writer
- Barry MacAvey: English physicist
- Philip MacAvey: Welsh singer, songwriter and producer
- Vicki MacAvey: American actress
- Rachel MacAvey: Canadian television personality
- Derek MacAvey: British comedian and presenter
- Sean MacAvey: American racing driver
- Conor MacAvey: Irish actor