Surname Mac Ivor - Meaning and Origin

Mac Ivor: What does the surname Mac Ivor mean?

The last name Mac Ivor is a Scottish and Irish surname derived from the Gaelic Mac Iomhair, which means "son of Iomhar". This is a Gaelic personal name that is derived from the word iomhar, meaning "well-slay" or "valiant". It is often associated with a legendary hero from the tales of the Celtic people who fought against enemies of the kingdom.

The Mac Ivor surname can be found throughout Scotland and Northern Ireland in both its traditional and modern forms. This surname has multiple different spellings like MacIvor, MacIver, McEvoy, and McHugh. It is believed that the name originated from Argyll in Scotland, where the families held lands from an early period.

The name Mac Ivor has had many notable members, including the Clan Colquhoun of Dunoon which was under the leadership of Robert Mac Iver at one point. There were many famous Mac Ivors who distinguished themselves during the Jacobite Rising of 1745, such as Major Neil Mac Iver and Duncan Mac Iver who both died in battle.

In modern times, the Mac Ivor surname can still be found in both Scotland and Ireland. It is a proud Scottish and Irish name, associated with many ancestors who carved out a place for themselves in history. This legacy continues today through descendants who proudly carry the name of Mac Ivor.

Mac Ivor: Where does the name Mac Ivor come from?

The last name Mac Ivor is most commonly found in Scotland and Ireland today. In Scotland, the name is thought to have originated in the Highlands, where it may have been derived from two septs or clans, the MacIvers and the McIvers. In Ireland, it is mostly found in Ulster, along the Ulster-Scots border. It is also a popular surname in Canada, particularly in Newfoundland and eastern parts of Nova Scotia, largely due to the Ulster-Scot migration of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

The last name Mac Ivor is derived from the Gaelic Mac an Iomaire, meaning “son of the sergeant” or “son of the leader”. It is believed to have been the name of an early Irish or Gaelic ecclesiastical leader in the Highlands around the 11th or 12th centuries. Over time, the name was Anglicized into the various forms of “Mac Ivor” or “MacIvor” which is its current spelling.

The last name is also popular in North America, and has been part of the population for centuries. Today, it is found among the large number of Scottish immigrants who settled in Canada, the United States, and other parts of the world. It is also found among those who experience Scottish heritage from other parts of the British Isles.

In conclusion, the last name Mac Ivor is most commonly found today in Scotland, Ireland, and parts of North America, particularly among those with Scottish heritage.

Variations of the surname Mac Ivor

The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Mac Ivor are:

MacIvor, MacIver, MacKiver, MacKivor, MacKiever, MacKever, MacEever, Makeever, Makeever, MacKeever, MacKyeever, MacIeaver, Makivar, MacIvair, MacIvarr, MacEevor, MacEvar, MacKeaver, MacKieaver, MacIvie, MacIverr, MacIvorr, MacKeive, MacKive, MacKyeve and MacEive.

The Mac Ivor surname has its origins in Scotland, and it originated from the Scottish-Gaelic MacIomhair which means 'son of Ivar'. This ancient Celtic family was noted for its strength and courage in battle, hence why many of its members were found in high-profile positions in the Highlands.

The Mac Ivor surname has evolved over the centuries with multiple spellings, such as MacIver, MacKiver and MacKivor; as well as multiple surnames, such as MacEever, Makeever and MacKeever. The variations in spelling were the result of phonetic changes that occur when certain letters are pronounced differently in different dialects.

The surname has also been adapted to different national contexts; in Ireland for example, the Mac Ivor surname developed into MacIvor, MacIeaver and Makivar. Similarly, the Mac Ivor surname in Canada has been adapted to MacIvair, MacIvarr and MacEevor. Some of the surname has also been used to form hyphenated surnames, such as Mac-Evar and Mac-Keaver.

In conclusion, the Mac Ivor surname has a rich variety of variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The phonetic changes and contextual adaptations over time have allowed the surname to evolve and become more widely spread across different countries and contexts.

Famous people with the name Mac Ivor

• Chris MacIvor: Chris MacIvor is a British actor and presenter, best known for his appearances on BBC Radio Sheffield and for his role as Davey Hern in the tv series “Still Game”.
• Saurabh MacIvor: Saurabh MacIvor is a British photographer, who is recognized for specializing in commercial, fashion and international portraiture.
• Pieter MacIvor: Pieter MacIvor is a former professional rugby player, who played for the South African national team in the early 90s.
• Fabio MacIvor: Fabio MacIvor is an Italian Olympic medalist, having won Bronze in the long jump at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
• Mark MacIvor: Mark MacIvor is a Canadian stage director, who is renowned for his productions such as the North American premiere of RENT in 1998.
• Ken MacIvor: Ken MacIvor is a Scottish footballer who played for Dundee United in the 80s and early 90s.
• Angus MacIvor: Angus MacIvor is a Scottish actor, who has appeared in various endevours such as in the film COLD MOUNTAIN and in the series MONARCH OF THE GLEN.
• Anthea MacIvor: Anthea MacIvor is a British screen and stage actress, known for her roles in the BBC series SILENT WITNESS and EastEnders.
• Ian MacIvor: Ian MacIvor is a British professor of economics at University College London, whose research is focused on monetary economics.
• Fergus MacIvor: Fergus MacIvor is a Scottish tweed designer, who is renowned for his contribution to the world of highland and luxury fashion.

Other surnames

Mac Ivir