Surname MacCuaig - Meaning and Origin
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MacCuaig: What does the surname MacCuaig mean?
The last name MacCuaig is an anglicized variation of the Gaelic surname ‘MacCUAIDH’, which can be roughly translated as ‘son of Cuadh’. The Gaelic roots of the family name reveal that it is of Scottish origin, derived from the Clan MacCuaig which belonged to the Isle of Skye during the Scottish High Middle Ages.
The surname is also closely related to other related Scottish, Irish and Manx surnames including McCaw, MacQuoig, MacGuaig and MacGaw. The name is still recognizable today throughout the region and is commonly found in the United Kingdom, especially Scotland and Ireland.
The name was likely a way of distinguishing members of the family from other similar clans. This would have been particularly important in Scotland during the time of clan wars. The family would have identified with one another to protect their lands and resources, as well as to distinguish themselves from other groups.
The MacCuaigs themselves, however, were most likely a native Scottish clan that was also related to clans in the wider region. Throughout their history, the family has been found in various regions, including the Outer Hebrides, the Isle of Skye and Southern Scotland. Perhaps the most enduring legacy of the surname is that it is still used today, retaining the same meaning and a strong connection with the family’s history.
Order DNA origin analysisMacCuaig: Where does the name MacCuaig come from?
The last name MacCuaig, of Irish origin, is most common today in the island of Ireland. Records from the 19th century show that the name was concentrated mainly in the province of Ulster. More specifically, in the counties of Antrim and Donegal.
The surname MacCuaig dates from 16th century documents where it was spelled MacCuaigh, derived from Gaelic MacUaid. Meaning ‘the son of Uaidh’, from the Norse and Gaelic personal name Uaid.
The MacCuaigs are a branch of the great and powerful Cenel Moaen, and seem to have been settled at Moyle in Antrim, in the 15th century. By the mid-1600s, some of the branches of the family had moved across the river to the western side of Donegal.
Today, the surname is still present in Antrim and Donegal, where several people bear the name. In the UK, a few people also carry the name at levels of small percentages, according to records of 2018.
In addition, MacCuaig is also seen in other parts of the world, mainly in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. These immigrants in the 19th century, bears record of the success of the MacCuaig family and their diaspora.
Variations of the surname MacCuaig
MacCuaig is a surname of Scottish origin. It can be spelled in several different ways, each with its own set of variants.
The most common spelling is MacCuaig, which is used throughout Scotland and other countries where Scottish heritage is found. Variants of MacCuaig include MacCuaige, MacCuag, MacCowag, and MacCuige.
Other spellings and variants of MacCuaig include MakCowe, MacCowey, MakCogh, MacCoy, MacShooth, and MacCoure.
In addition to these spellings, MacCuaig can also be found as a surname, as in MacCuaig Stewart and MacCuaig of Clan MacDonald. Other surnames of similar origin include MacCuish, MacQuaid, MacQuarrie, and MacCuaigard.
MacCuaig is also sometimes written as MacCuaighe, MacCuaghe, or MacCak. Some records may also show the spelling as MacChewig, MacChewick, MacChewigge, and MacChewicke.
No matter the spelling, MacCuaig is an important part of Scottish heritage and will always represent a proud and resilient people.
Famous people with the name MacCuaig
- Don MacCuaig: Canadian former ice hockey player who played for multiple NHL teams
- Gordon MacCuaig: Australian Homicide Detective and Investigator of the 1992–93 backpacker murders
- Sheila MacCuaig: Canadian TV and radio broadcaster
- Theresa MacCuaig: Canadian lawyer and associate professor at McGill University
- Jed MacCuaig: Canadian professional counter-strike: Global Offensive player
- Bruce MacCuaig: Australian business consultant and former Chief Commissioner of Small Business Victoria
- Paul MacCuaig: Canadian professional football player
- Nathan MacCuaig: Canadian middle distance runner
- Jack MacCuaig: Canadian businessman and former president of the Canadian Mental Health Association
- Ryan MacCuaig: Canadian professional hockey player