MCKAY

McKay

McKay is a Scottish and Irish surname that originated from the Gaelic name "Mac Aodha", meaning "son of fire". The name is derived from the given name "Aodh", which means "fire" in Gaelic. The McKay surname is primarily found in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands and Islands, as well as in Ireland.

History

The history of the McKay surname can be traced back to ancient Scotland and Ireland. The McKay clan was an important Highland clan in Scottish history, known for their fierce loyalty and bravery. They were often involved in the various clan wars and conflicts that characterized Scottish history.

In Ireland, the McKay surname is also prominent, particularly in Ulster and other northern counties. Many McKays in Ireland can trace their ancestry back to Scottish immigrants who settled in Ireland during periods of migration between the two countries.

Notable People

• Alexander McKay: A Scottish-born engineer who made significant contributions to the field of civil engineering.
• Evangeline McKay: An Irish poet known for her lyrical and evocative poetry.
• Sir Malcolm McKay: A renowned Scottish architect who designed numerous iconic buildings in the UK.

Variants

Variants of the McKay surname include MacKay, McKee, McCay, and MacAoidh.

The McKay surname continues to be held by numerous individuals around the world, with a strong sense of pride in their Scottish and Irish heritage.

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

• Alexander
• Andrew
• David
• Ian
• James
• John
• Paul
• Robert
• Thomas
• William

Female

• Anne
• Catherine
• Elizabeth
• Fiona
• Helen
• Jane
• Karen
• Margaret
• Mary
• Sarah
• Susan

Similar and related surnames

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