MCSTAY
Also recorded as Mc Stay, Mcstay
McStay
McStay is a Scottish and Irish surname derived from the Gaelic name "Mac an Mhaoir," meaning "son of the steward." The name originated in Scotland and later spread to Ireland. Individuals with the surname McStay can thus trace their ancestry to either of these countries.
Origin and History
The McStay name is thought to have originated in the Highlands of Scotland, where it was used to denote someone who served as a steward or manager for a noble household. The name gradually spread to Ireland, particularly in counties such as Mayo and Donegal. Over time, the McStay family established itself in various regions and became part of the local communities.
Notable Individuals
- Thomas McStay: A prominent figure in Irish politics during the early 20th century, known for his advocacy of workers' rights and social reform.
- Elizabeth McStay: Renowned Scottish artist whose landscape paintings have been exhibited in galleries across the UK and Europe.
Variants
Variants of the McStay surname include MacStay and Macauley, reflecting different pronunciations and spellings that have evolved over the years.
Legacy
The McStay surname has a rich history and has contributed to various aspects of Scottish and Irish culture. Today, individuals carrying the McStay name continue to uphold their heritage and make significant contributions in diverse fields around the world.
References:
- Smith, L. (2008). The Scottish Clans and Their Surnames. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
- O'Connell, M. (2015). Irish Names and Surnames. Dublin: Liffey Press.
There are approximately 519 people named McStay in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around eight in a million people in Britain are named McStay.
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
- Brian
- Connan
- Conor
- Heath
- James
- John
- Kevin
- Kieron
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Anne
- Caroline
- Catherine
- Christine
- Clare
- Deborah
- Helen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Shirley
- Susan
- Teresa
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.