MACKEY
Also recorded as Mac Key, Mackey
MacKey
MacKey is a Scottish and Irish surname of Gaelic origin, derived from the ancient personal name "Mac Aodha", meaning "son of Aodh". The name Aodh itself is a Gaelic name that means "fire" or "light".
Origins and History
The MacKey surname is believed to have originated in Scotland and Ireland, where families adopted the surname to denote their lineage or descent from a common ancestor named Aodh. The MacKeys were likely part of the ancient Celtic clans and families that inhabited these regions.
Distribution
The MacKey surname is relatively uncommon in the British Isles but can be found mainly in Scotland and Ireland. Over the centuries, some branches of the MacKey family may have migrated to other regions, leading to a dispersed distribution of the surname.
Notable Individuals
- Alexander MacKey: A Scottish poet known for his lyrical works that celebrate the beauty of the Scottish landscape.
- Eileen MacKey: An Irish historian and author renowned for her research on Gaelic folklore and traditions.
Modern Influence
In modern times, individuals bearing the MacKey surname may still be found in various professions and walks of life across the UK and Ireland. The name continues to be passed down through generations, preserving the heritage and legacy of the MacKey family.
References
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (2006). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
- MacLysaght, E. (1991). The Surnames of Ireland. Irish Academic Press.
There are approximately 2,419 people named MacKey in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,600th most common surname in Britain. Around 37 in a million people in Britain are named MacKey.
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Ireland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
- William
Female
- Elizabeth
- Hazel
- Helen
- Jennifer
- Jill
- Joanne
- Karen
- Kathleen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Norma
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- MacKay
- McKay
- MacKie
- Mack
- Macke
- Macey
- Mackei
- Mackee
- Macay
- Maccoy
- Maciey
- Mackaay
- Mackae
- Mackew
- Macki
- Mackiee
- Mackine
- Mackinney
- Mackis
- Mackisey
- Mackoy
- Macks
- Macksey
- Macky
- Macoy
- Macque
- Magahy
- Magay
- Magaya
- Maggay
- Maghey
- Makay
- Makaya
- Makey
- Makiya
- Makky
- Maky
- Mauguy
- Maukey
- Maxcey
- Mcay
- Mccay
- Mccoey
- Mccooey
- Mccoy
- Mcgay
- Mcgoey
- Mcguy
- Mckaye
- Mckeay
- Mckey
- Mckie
- Mckoy
- Mcky
- Mckye
- Mcoy
- Mcquay
- Mcquie
- 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.