MCCOY
Also recorded as Mc Coy, Mccoy
McCoy
McCoy is a surname of Scottish and Irish origin that is frequently found in Britain. The name is derived from the Gaelic Mac Aoidh, meaning ‘son of Aodh’. The Gaelic name Aodh is itself related to the Old Norse name Oðr, which means ‘poetry’ or ‘inspiration’.
The McCoy family is historically associated with the Scottish and Irish regions. One of the most notable associations is with the McCoy family of Irish descent, specifically from County Armagh. The McCoy clan played a significant role in Irish history, particularly during the conflict with the rival clan, the Hatfields, in what came to be known as the Hatfield-McCoy feud. This long-standing family rivalry has become part of the folklore and cultural heritage of both Ireland and the United States.
The surname McCoy has evolved over time and has seen various spelling variations, including MacKay, McKay, and McKie. As with many surnames, the spelling and pronunciation can differ depending on historical, regional, and individual factors.
Today, individuals bearing the surname McCoy can be found across the United Kingdom and other parts of the world, with descendants continuing to honour and preserve the heritage and traditions associated with the name.
There are approximately 4,406 people named McCoy in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,130th most common surname in Britain. Around 68 in a million people in Britain are named McCoy.
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
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Stephen
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Ann
- Anne
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Joan
- Kathleen
- Lesley
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah