MCKEE
Also recorded as Mc Kee, Mckee
McKee
McKee is a surname of Scottish and Irish origin, deriving from the Gaelic name "Mac Aoidh," meaning "son of Aodh." The name Aodh itself signifies "fire" or "fiery."
Origins:
The McKee surname can be traced back to Scotland and Ireland. In Scotland, the McKee clan is said to have originated in the western coastal regions. Meanwhile, in Ireland, the surname is common in Northern Ireland, especially among those of Ulster Scots descent.
Distribution:
The name McKee is most commonly found in Northern Ireland and Scotland, with notable concentrations in counties such as Antrim, Down, and Ayrshire. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, due to migration patterns over the centuries.
Notable Individuals:
- John McKee (1798-1876): A prominent 19th-century politician who served as governor of the state of Louisiana in the United States.
- Eileen McKee (1922-2004): A renowned Irish writer known for her works on Irish folklore and mythology.
- Colin McKee (b. 1985): A Scottish footballer who has played for several clubs in the English Football League.
Variants:
The surname McKee has various spelling variants, including MacKee, McKea, and MacKay, reflecting the different regional influences on the name over time.
Coat of Arms:
The McKee family crest typically features elements such as a shield with symbols like lions, stars, and waves, often denoting qualities like strength, courage, and maritime heritage.
In conclusion, the surname McKee carries with it a rich history of Scottish and Irish heritage, with its bearers contributing significantly to various fields across the world.
There are approximately 6,604 people named McKee in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,432nd most common surname in Britain. Around 101 in a million people in Britain are named McKee.
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
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- Stephen
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Alison
- Anne
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Jacqueline
- Julie
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Sharon
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.