MACKAY
Also recorded as Mac Kay, Mackay
MacKay
MacKay, also spelled as Mackay, is a Scottish and Irish surname of Gaelic origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Aodha, meaning "son of fire". The MacKays were originally a clan from the northern Highlands of Scotland, particularly in the regions of Sutherland and Caithness. They were known for their fierce loyalty and bravery in battle.
The MacKays played a significant role in Scottish history, particularly during the conflicts in the Highlands and the Jacobite uprisings. They were known for their distinct tartan and their motto "Manu forti" which means "With a strong hand". The clan also had strong ties with the Norse Vikings who settled in the region, influencing their culture and traditions.
In Ireland, the MacKay surname is found primarily in Ulster, where Scottish settlers introduced it during the plantation of the region in the 17th century. Many Irish MacKays can trace their ancestry back to these Scottish settlers.
Today, the MacKay surname is found all over the world due to Scottish and Irish emigration. It is a common surname in countries such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, among others.
Overall, the MacKay surname holds a rich history and is a symbol of the resilience and heritage of the Scottish and Irish people.
There are approximately 24,575 people named MacKay in the UK. That makes it the 335th most common surname in Britain. Around 377 in a million people in Britain are named MacKay.
Surname type: From name of parent
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Alexander
- Andrew
- David
- Donald
- Ian
- James
- John
- Robert
- William
Female
- Alison
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Fiona
- Helen
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- McKay
- MacKey
- MacKie
- Macca
- Macay
- Mack
- Mackaay
- Maccoy
- Mackae
- Mackail
- Mackain
- Mackale
- Mackall
- Mackam
- Mackan
- Mackby
- Macke
- Mackean
- Mackee
- Mackei
- Mackiee
- Mackoy
- Macks
- Macksey
- Mackway
- Macky
- Macoy
- Magahy
- Magay
- Magaya
- Maggay
- Maghey
- Makay
- Makaya
- Makey
- Makiya
- Makky
- Maky
- Mauguy
- Maukey
- Mcay
- Mccaa
- Mccae
- Mccay
- Mccoey
- Mccooey
- Mccoy
- Mcgay
- Mcgoey
- Mcguy
- Mckae
- Mckaye
- Mckea
- Mckeay
- Mckey
- Mckoy
- Mcky
- Mckye
- Mcoy
- Mcquay
- Mecoy
- Meekey
- Megahy
- Meggy
- Mekey
- Mekkawy
- Mgaya
- Mickay
- Mickey
- Migoya
- Mkay
- Moggy
- Moigay
- Mokaya
- Mucahy
- Muckey
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.