Surname MacCahery - Meaning and Origin
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MacCahery: What does the surname MacCahery mean?
The last name MacCahery is of Irish origins, derived from the Gaelic name Mac Aodha, which translates to “son of Aodh”. Aodh was a popular Irish name since the 8th century and was the name of several kings during this period. It is believed that the MacCahery family were descended from one of the early kings.
The name MacCahery is particularly prevalent in the Derry area of Northern Ireland, but it is also found in parts of Scotland, although this is likely due to Scottish immigration to Ireland in earlier centuries. It is thought the MacCahery family settled in this area and took up farming, and were renowned as hardworking and determined.
The meaning of MacCahery is generally thought to refer to a person who is creative or strong-willed. It is likely that the original settlers from whom the family descended had such characteristics, and the name was passed down through the generations representing a proud history of determination and strength.
Today, the MacCahery name has spread to many other countries, and this proud Irish name can be found in some form or another all over the world.
Order DNA origin analysisMacCahery: Where does the name MacCahery come from?
The last name MacCahery is most commonly found in Ireland today. It is an anglicized version of the Irish Gaelic name Mac Atharthaigh or Mac Caithair, both of which mean "son of Cathair". This name is thought to have originated in County Cork in the south of Ireland and is believed to have spread to other parts of the country over time.
The most popular county for MacCahery families today is Cork, where almost 40% of all MacCaherys can be found. It is also found in Dublin, Waterford, Clare, Galway, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Wexford, and Kilkenny.
Outside of Ireland, MacCahery is a fairly rare surname. However, there is a large population of people with the surname in the United States, Canada, England, Australia, and even New Zealand. This would suggest that the surname has been passed down through generations of emigrants from Ireland.
So if you’re wondering where to find the last name MacCahery today, the answer lies in Ireland, and to a lesser degree, in the individual countries of emigrants who made up its diaspora.
Variations of the surname MacCahery
Variations, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname MacCahery include:
MacAchery, MacAchry, MacHarrie, MacHary, MacHery, MacKachery, MacKahary, MacKahry, Makry, Makery, Makhery, and MaCherry.
In England, the surname can also be spelled McKahery or McKacherie. It has generally been anglicised as McCary or McCurry, sometimes even McHorrie. Other variants include McCarry, McCary, McCurrie, McCurry, McHorrey and MacKerrie.
The name MacCahery originates from the Gaelic Mac Eachraidh, meaning “son of Eachraidh”, with Eachraidh being an old Scottish Gaelic personal name. The name is derived from the Gaelic 'eagadh' meaning “genius”, or “wise man”.
The MacCahery family originated in the village of Kilfen, in Argyllshire, Scotland, during the 12th century. A family of this surname held a territorial lordship in the Lennox district in the 14th century. The MacCahery family is found mainly in Scotland, though some migrated to Ireland and North America during the 18th century.
In recent decades, the MacCahery surname has spread across the globe. There is significant presence of the MacCahery family is in Scotland and the UK, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and elsewhere.
Famous people with the name MacCahery
- Kevin MacCahery: Actor, known for roles in films such as The Hangover Part III and We're the Millers.
- Michael MacCahery: Emmy Award-winning journalist and editor.
- Celia MacCahery: Award-winning poet and folk singer.
- Lindsay MacCahery: Actress, best known for starring in the hit CW show, Gossip Girl.
- Ashley MacCahery: Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter.
- Iain MacCahery: British actor, known for roles in films such as Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and the Harry Potter series.
- Aiden MacCahery: Baseball player who currently plays for the Tampa Bay Rays.
- Kieran MacCahery: British footballer who plays for Liverpool FC.
- Ava MacCahery: American actress, known for her roles in films such as Spider-Man 3 and the Twilight Saga.
- Colin MacCahery: Irish footballer who currently plays for AC Milan.