McNae

McNae is a Scottish surname of Gaelic origin, which is an Anglicised form of the Gaelic 'Mac an Aodha', meaning "son of Aodh". The name Aodh is derived from the Old Celtic word for "fire".

Origin

The McNae surname is primarily found in Scotland, particularly in the regions of Argyll and Bute, where the name has strong historical roots. The first recorded instance of the McNae surname dates back to the 15th century in Scotland.

Notable People

  • John McNae (1884–1929) - A renowned Scottish artist known for his landscape paintings.
  • Fiona McNae (b. 1975) - A successful Scottish entrepreneur and businesswoman.

Variants

Variants of the McNae surname include McNay, MacNae, and MacNay.

Heritage

The Scottish McNae clan is associated with traits such as resilience, creativity, and a strong sense of community. Over the centuries, individuals bearing the McNae surname have made significant contributions to various fields, including art, business, and academia.

Legacy

Today, the McNae surname continues to be passed down through generations, both in Scotland and in various parts of the world where members of the Scottish diaspora have settled. The name serves as a reminder of the rich heritage and cultural significance of the Scottish people.

There are approximately 127 people named McNae in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named McNae.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Angus
  • Colin
  • David
  • Gavin
  • James
  • John
  • Jonathan
  • Lee
  • Robert
  • Scott
  • Stuart

Female

  • Doreen
  • Fiona
  • Helen
  • Hilda
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Sian
  • Tracey
  • Wendy

Similar and related surnames

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

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