MCGAW

McGaw

McGaw is a Scottish and Irish surname of Celtic origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Amhaidh," meaning son of Amhaidh. The name is believed to have originated from the Scottish Highlands and later spread to Ireland.

Origin and History

The McGaw surname is linked to Clan MacKay in Scotland, where the family played a prominent role in Highland history. Over time, some members of the clan migrated to Ireland, particularly Northern Ireland, due to historical events such as the Scottish Plantation.

Notable Individuals

Several notable individuals have borne the McGaw surname, including:

• John McGaw: A prominent Scots-Irish landowner and politician in early colonial America.
• Sarah McGaw: An acclaimed Irish author known for her contributions to modern Irish literature.

Distribution

Today, individuals bearing the surname McGaw can be found in various parts of the United Kingdom, particularly in Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as in countries with historical ties to Britain, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Cultural Significance

The McGaw surname is a part of the rich tapestry of Scottish and Irish heritage, symbolising the connection between the two nations. The name carries a sense of pride in one's Celtic roots and a reminder of the historical migrations that shaped British and Irish history.

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

• Andrew
• Brian
• Christopher
• David
• Duane
• Ian
• James
• John
• Michael
• Paul
• Robert
• Scott
• William

Female

• Alison
• Angela
• Donna
• Elizabeth
• Helen
• Jean
• Kathleen
• Margaret
• Mary
• Melinda
• Sarah
• Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.