MCKEEVER
Also recorded as Mc Keever, Mckeever
McKeever
McKeever is a surname of Irish origin that is quite prevalent in Northern Ireland and Scotland. The name is derived from the Gaelic Mac Íomhair, meaning "son of Íomhar". The prefix "Mc" or "Mac" is a common element in Scottish and Irish surnames, denoting "son of".
Origins and History
The McKeever surname is primarily associated with Northern Ireland, particularly in counties like Antrim and Down. The earliest known records of the McKeever name date back to the late 16th century in Ulster. The McKeever clan has historical ties to the ancient kingdom of Dál Riata in present-day western Scotland and northeastern Ireland.
Notable Individuals
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John McKeever (1814–1893): A prominent Irish politician who served as a Member of Parliament for South Armagh in the 19th century.
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Mary McKeever (b. 1985): Renowned Scottish artist known for her landscape paintings inspired by the Scottish Highlands.
Cultural Significance
The McKeever surname is deeply rooted in Celtic heritage and is a symbol of the long-standing connections between Scotland and Ireland. The name has evolved over the centuries, with variations like MacKeever, McIver, and McEvoy emerging in different regions.
Modern Distribution
Today, individuals with the McKeever surname can be found not only in the British Isles but also in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, owing to historical emigration patterns.
In conclusion, the McKeever surname carries a rich history and cultural significance, reflecting the enduring legacy of the Celtic peoples in the British Isles.
There are approximately 1,679 people named McKeever in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,886th most common surname in Britain. Around 26 in a million people in Britain are named McKeever.
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
- David
- James
- John
- Joseph
- Mark
- Martin
- Michael
- Patrick
- Paul
- Stephen
- Thomas
Female
- Anne
- Catherine
- Denise
- Elizabeth
- Karen
- Kathleen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.