Surname MacAtamney - Meaning and Origin
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MacAtamney: What does the surname MacAtamney mean?
The surname MacAtamney is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic “Mac Atamnaigh” which literally means son of Thomas. The name is derived from ‘Mac’ or ‘son of’ and ‘Atamnaigh’ or ‘Thomas’. The term ‘Thomas’ comes from the Aramaic via Greek New Testament name ‘Didymos’ and refers to a ‘twin’. This could refer to the twin sons of Jacob, who were later called the ‘Children of Israel’, or more likely to a literal twin, perhaps a patron saint of the MacAtamney clan.
MacAtamney is therefore an Irish-Gaelic surname which specifically refers to a clan whose roots can be traced back to a member with the given name of Thomas, or someone of similarly twin origin. It is said that the earliest record of the name was in circa 1345 when Donnchadh MacAtamney was elected Bishop of Down.
In modern times, the MacAtamney surname is usually found in northern Ireland as a predominantly Roman Catholic name. It’s rare to find this family name outside Ireland and so if it is encountered then it’s likely a sign of an irish ancestry.
The name still survives today, almost 800 years after the first recorded use of the name in Ireland and more recently in Scotland in the 18th century. It is a great honour to bear such a surname which has such a strong historical and meaningful roots. The bearer of the name will have a deep understanding of their roots and are proud to have such a strong Irish heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisMacAtamney: Where does the name MacAtamney come from?
The last name MacAtamney is most commonly found in the north of Ireland. It is particularly associated with Counties Tyrone and Derry. It is thought to have originated in that region during the late 1400s, when the McAtamney clan settled in the area. The name is derived from the Irish 'Mac Atamnigh', meaning 'son of Atamnigh'.
The McAtamney family were Elliott prominants in the North of Ireland for centuries. They had strong ties with the local gentry and aristocracy, and many members held prominent positions in local government. The McAtamney's were also extensively involved in commerce and industry, including textiles - an industry in which they prospered.
Today, the last name MacAtamney is still strongly associated with the North of Ireland. It is most commonly found in Counties Tyrone and Derry, although there are also many living in the Greater Belfast area. It is also occasionally found in other parts of Ireland, as well as in Scotland, England and the United States.
Overall, the last name MacAtamney is an ancient name of Irish-Gaelic origin. It is still prevalent in Northern Ireland, and it has grown in popularity in other parts of the diaspora in recent years.
Variations of the surname MacAtamney
The most common spelling of the surname MacAtamney is MacAtamny. It is also seen as Mac Atinney, MacAtaney, MacTrainie and MacTirney.
MacAtamney is an Irish patronymic surname derived from the Gaelic phrase “Mac an tSiomnaigh” which translates as “son of the follower”. The MacAtamney surname originated in what is now known as County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.
Variants of the name include MacAntamny, MacAntomny, MacIntamny, and MacTirney. These spellings are often the result of variations in pronunciation and spelling over time.
Similar surnames derived from the same origin include McAntamney, McAntomney, McAteaney, McAtinney, McAtomney, McEndonny, McEntamny, McEntomney, McTirney,MacUtainy, and Utainy.
Other variants of MacAtamney are MacTarny and MacThornie. These spellings are more commonly seen in Scotland.
The MacAtamney surname has also been Anglicized to Matamney and Matony, which are more commonly seen in parts of England.
No matter what spelling of this name is used, the origin remains the same: “son of the follower”.
Famous people with the name MacAtamney
- Eamon MacAtamney: Irish radio presenter known for his work with RTE and throughout the UK.
- Larry MacAtamney: American actor, director, and screenwriter, he is best known for his role in the film, "The People vs. Larry Flynt."
- Niall MacAtamney: Award-winning Irish actor and director for stage and screen with over twenty years of experience, his career has spanned from European theatre to Hollywood films.
- Seamus MacAtamney: Popular Irish cameraman, his work has been featured in the award-winning Irish documentary film, “The Secret Place.”
- Lindsey MacAtamney: American photographer whose works were featured in galleries and art shows across the United States.
- Meadhbh MacAtamney: Classical violinist, she is known for her unique interpretations of Bach and Strauss as well as her own compositions.
- Adelín MacAtamney: Operatic soprano with the Israeli National Opera, her signature roles for the company include Cio-Cio-san in "Madama Butterfly" and Mimi in "La Boheme."
- Pádraigín MacAtamney: An emerging Irish modernist painter, her works have been showcased in galleries in England, Ireland, and the United States.
- Sorcha MacAtamney: Award-winning author with a degree in English and Creative Writing, her works are praised for exploring themes of identity, belonging, and dissent in contemporary Dublin.
- Iarlaith MacAtamney: Born into a family of Irish traditional singers, he is an accomplished bodhrán player who has performed on stage with the Irish band, "Four for the Bar."