MCCAFFERY
Also recorded as Mc Caffery, Mccaffery
McCaffery
McCaffery is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the native Gaelic Mac Gafraidh, meaning "son of Gafraidh." The name is most commonly found in Northern Ireland and Donegal in the Republic of Ireland.
Origins and History
The McCaffery surname is linked to the ancient O'Catharnaigh sept, which held territory in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. Over time, branches of the family migrated to other parts of Ireland as well as to countries such as Scotland, England, the United States, Canada, and Australia.
In Ireland, McCafferys were traditionally associated with agriculture and land ownership. Many individuals with this surname were also involved in various industries such as craftsmanship, trade, and education.
Notable Individuals
- Sean McCaffery (b. 1950): Irish football manager known for his successful leadership of various clubs in the UK and Ireland.
- Molly McCafferty (1912-1988): Renowned Northern Irish playwright and novelist, celebrated for her contributions to Irish literature.
Modern Distribution
Today, the McCaffery surname is still prevalent in Ireland and the United Kingdom, particularly in areas with historical ties to the family. Emigration has also led to the spread of the name in countries across the globe, where individuals continue to maintain connections to their Irish roots.
Heraldic Significance
The shield associated with the McCaffery surname typically features elements that represent the family's historical background and values. These may include symbols such as Celtic knots, shamrocks, and depictions of agricultural tools.
In contemporary times, individuals with the surname McCaffery often take pride in their heritage by displaying their family crest and coat of arms on various items, such as flags, jewellery, and stationery.
There are approximately 1,460 people named McCaffery in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,456th most common surname in Britain. Around 22 in a million people in Britain are named McCaffery.
Surname type: From name of parent
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
- Daniel
- Francis
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Patrick
- Paul
- Peter
- William
Female
- Alison
- Anne
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Jacqueline
- Jennifer
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Sarah
- Sheena
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.