Surname MacElwee - Meaning and Origin

MacElwee: What does the surname MacElwee mean?

The last name MacElwee originated in Ireland as a variation of the Irish Gaelic surname MacGiolla Bhuí, which means “son of the yellow one.” The root word “giolla” can mean “servant,” “disciple,” or “devotee” as well as “leader,” making the surname’s translation dependent on context. The prefix “Mac” is also of Gaelic origin and indicates “son of.”

The MacElwee surname has two distinct branches in Ireland, the Northern bonded by O’Neill of Tyrone and the Southern based around Clane and Killmacutcheon in County Meath. During the late 18th century, many MacElwee families immigrated to the United States, most notably to the Appalachians. The Irish were among the most numerous among the early settlers in this region, largely for their success as sheep farmers in Europe’s British Isles.

The name MacElwee has seen several variations over time; an example is McEllwah, which is a modern version. Today, many Irish descendants are proud to carry the MacElwee name, which is a remnant of their once-thriving Celtic culture. In an era of globalization, the MacElwee surname stands out as a unique and meaningful reminder of ancient Irish roots.

MacElwee: Where does the name MacElwee come from?

The last name MacElwee is predominantly found in Ireland and the United States of America. In Ireland, it is most commonly associated with Counties Down and Derry in the province of Ulster. In the 1600s, the anglicized surname MacIlwee was brought to North America by Irish settlers from Ulster.

In the United States, the last name MacElwee can be found in many states across the country, particularly in the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and West Virginia, with the majority of individuals residing in Ohio.

The surname is also well-established in Canada, particularly in Alberta and Ontario, with the highest concentration of MacElwees in Alberta.

In the United Kingdom, MacElwee is most common in Scotland, especially the area surrounding Glasgow. There is also a presence in Northern Ireland, particularly in the Ulster County of Antrim.

Overall, the surname MacElwee remains most common in Ireland and the United States, though it has become increasingly dispersed as the descendants of Irish immigrants and their families have settled across the globe.

Variations of the surname MacElwee

The MacElwee surname originates from the Irish surname Mac Giolla Bhuidhe, meaning “son of the yellow-haired lad”. Variants of this surname include MacElvey, McElwee, McElvey, McElroy and Elvey. Additionally, variants with a Gaelic spelling include Mac Giolla Bhuidhe and Mac Giolla Bhuidhe.

The MacElwee surname is mainly found in counties throughout Ulster, specifically Antrim, Derry, and Donegal. It is believed that the MacElwee family arrived to these areas via Scotland in the Middle Ages. The family has a long history in Scotland before migrating to Ireland.

There is also evidence that the surname is derived from the Scottish name MacElwee. It is possible that there was a variant of the surname which originated in Scotland prior to its migration to Ireland.

Throughout history, the surnames associated with the MacElwee family have undergone many changes, from Mac Giolla Bhuidhe, to MacElwee, McElwee, McElvey, McElroy and Elvey. This demonstrates the extent to which the surname has changed over time, as those who used the surname sought to adapt to new language and cultural influences.

Regardless of how the MacElwee surname has changed, the MacElwee family continues to be a proud and widespread family whose members can be found in Ireland, Scotland, England and North America.

Famous people with the name MacElwee

• Graeme MacElwee Smith: British historian and author
• John MacElwee: American film actor
• Robert MacElwee: Australian professional rugby league footballer
• Ewan MacElwee: British Member of Parliament
• Norman MacElwee: member of the Order of Canada
• Harry MacElwee: American composer
• India MacElwee: American artist and designer
• Richard MacElwee: American cinematographer
• Chris MacElwee: American author and radio host
• Jack MacElwee: American lawyer, pitcher, Hockey Hall of Fame inductee

Other surnames

MacElwain