Surname MacAward - Meaning and Origin
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MacAward: What does the surname MacAward mean?
The last name MacAward is of either Irish or Scottish origin. It is believed to be derived from the Gaelic language and Irish Mac an Mhargaidh, which means "son of the bargainer."
MacAward is thought to have come from the old Irish words “mac” meaning “son” and “an mhargaidh” meaning “bargainer,” indicating that it might have originated as a surname for a trader. The spelling of the name is also quite distinct, with the ‘d’ being silent and the ‘w’ being used instead to produce the distinctive ending of ‘MacAward’.
It has been suggested that the earliest use of the surname was by Muirgheas Mac Amalghadh, who was a powerful landholder from the 1300s in what is now County Wexford, Ireland. The name may have also spread Scotland, with some members of the MacAward clan settling there in the eighteenth century.
The MacAwards have also spread to the United States, where they are quite common. Today there are many descendants of the MacAward clan in America, mainly focused in the Northeast and Midwest parts of the country.
In terms of its meaning today, MacAward is still associated with trader and negotiator, as the original meaning of the name suggests. There is also a familial bond associated with the name, as it originated with those who are part of the same clan.
Order DNA origin analysisMacAward: Where does the name MacAward come from?
The MacAward surname is found primarily in Ireland. It is of Scottish origin, coming from MacAward, a Gaelic variation of the name MacAngus, meaning "son of Angus". It is most common in the province of Ulster in the North of Ireland, particularly in the Donegal, Derry, and Tyrone counties. The MacAwards claim descent from the royal line of King Fergus of Dalriada, which shifted from southwestern Scotland to northern Ireland in the mid-fifth century.
The MacAwards were prominent during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, especially in county Tyrone, where they were one of the ruling Gaelic families. However, with the raising of English power in the region and the subsequent Plantation, the family's fortunes declined. By 1911, the name was only found in Donegal and Tyrone.
Today, the MacAward surname still remains most prolific amongst the descendants of Ulster Scots in county Donegal, although there are many people who bear the name living elsewhere in Northern Ireland, as well as Scotland, England and the United States.
Variations of the surname MacAward
The surname MacAward is believed to have originated from Scotland. It is a variation on the anglicized version of Mac an Mhic an Ard, which means Son of the Son of the High One. Variants of the surname MacAward include MacAwarde, MacArt, MacArthur, MacCord, MacCard, Maccardie, MacCaward, MacFarlane, McKaward, MacWhirters, and Ard.
MacAward is derived from the personal name of the ancient Gaelic kings of Scotland—Ard, meaning 'high one' or 'exalted one'. Therefore, the surname MacAward is derived from the phrase “Son of the Son of Ard” or “Mac an Mhic an Ard”. The literary translation of Mac an Mhic an Ard is “Son of the Son of the High One.”
The earliest records of MacAward as a surname date back to the 16th century in Scotland. In Hieroglyphic History of Scotland, MacAward is recorded as a surname that appears as early as 1567 in a book entitled MacAlpin of Mersores. As the most widely recognized Gaelic surname, MacAwards are primarily of Scottish ancestry.
The spelling and pronunciation of the surname MacAward have changed slightly over time, making it a common source of confusion. Some of the modern spellings include MacAwarde, MacArt, MacArthur, MacCord, MacCard, Maccardie, MacCaward, MacFarlane, McKaward, MacWhirters, and Ard.
Today, the MacAward surname is popular all over the world. It is common in Scotland, Ireland, and English-speaking countries, such as the United States. Furthermore, MacAwards inhabit other countries, including Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and beyond.
Famous people with the name MacAward
- Mackenzie MacAward: Actress best known for appearance in the independent film Finding Home.
- Iain MacAward: Scottish television presenter and political commentator.
- Fiona MacAward: Award-winning Scottish playwright and screenwriter.
- John Charles MacAward: Anglo-Irish Olympic champion swimmer.
- Joel MacAward: Irish actor and comedian, best known for his roles on the popular UK sitcom Give up the Ghost and Love/Hate.
- Cal MacAward: Musician from County Down in Northern Ireland, best known for his work with the traditional Irish music group, Beoga.
- Kenneth MacAward: British author and journalist, widely regarded as one of the finest writers and researchers of his generation.
- Donna MacAward: Scottish actress and singer, best known for her leading roles in Footloose and Calendar Girls.
- Flora MacAward: An Irish novelist and historian, widely renowned for her debut novel,The Vanished Girl.
- Leslie MacAward: American figure skater, four-time US champion and 1986 World silver medalist.