Surname MacEvaddy - Meaning and Origin
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MacEvaddy: What does the surname MacEvaddy mean?
The last name MacEvaddy is derived from the Irish surname Mac Giolla Dubhaidh, meaning "son of the black devotee." In the Irish language, the word Mac means "son" and Giolla means "devotee" or "servant" while Dubhaidh means "black." The prefix Mac indicates a patronymic (or father's) surname, and the suffix Evaddy also originated in Ireland as a variant spelling of the same name.
MacEvaddy is a relatively rare surname and may refer to someone who descended from a Christian family of Dál Cais. This was a clan-based Gaelic tribe originating in the Munster region of Ireland, around the modern-day counties of Clare and Limerick. The closely related family name Gilvady also includes multiple spellings, suggesting it was derived from the same Gaelic root.
In Scotland, the surname MacEvaddy appears to be more common and may be linked to the Clan MacDonald. Evidence suggests that the MacEvaddys were part of the branch of the clan that dispersed to Tipperary and Kerry in the late 1700s following a disagreement with the clan's chief. Irish and Scottish records list both the MacEvaddy and Gilvady surnames among the septs of the Clan MacDonald.
The MacEvaddy surname is found in many English-language records, such as those of Scotland, the United States, and even Australia. The name has evolved over time, but the meaning remains the same - "son of the black devotee."
Order DNA origin analysisMacEvaddy: Where does the name MacEvaddy come from?
The last name MacEvaddy is rarely encountered in the modern day, and is thought to have originated in the area of County Donegal. It's likely that the name dates back to before the 17th century, as it is quite an old Gaelic surname. It was a popular name in the area of Ulster during the 1700s, with many members of the MacEvaddy family being part of the Catholic clergy.
It is thought that the surname originated from the Gaelic term "Mac an Fhedaigh" which translated means "son of the bard". This suggests that the original MacEvaddy family was comprised of poets and musicians. The MacEvaddy family is thought to have spread across Ireland and the UK, settling in different communities and areas as they traveled.
Today, the last name MacEvaddy is more common in Northern Ireland than in other areas of the United Kingdom or Ireland, with some families still using the name in and around County Donegal. It is possible to find individuals with the last name MacEvaddy living in various parts of England, Scotland and Wales, as well as Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The surname is also used in some families living in the United States, although this is rarer.
Variations of the surname MacEvaddy
MacEvaddy is an Irish surname of noble origins, descending from the MacEadaigh Clan, who first settled in County Mayo in the mid-14th century. The surname is also found in other parts of Ireland as well as other countries such as the United States.
Variants of the surname MacEvaddy include McEvaddy, MacAvee, MacEvoy, McEvoy, MacEady, and McEady. Common spellings for the surname include: MacEvaddy, MacEvady, and MacEvadey.
The surname MacEvaddy is closely related to several other surnames originating from the same Clan. For example, some variations of the surname include MacAde, MacAdo, MacAdoe, MacAdoy, MacAvo, MacAyde, and McAtee.
The McEvaddy/MacEvaddy surname is frequently seen in county Mayo, in particular in the town of Mulranny. Other interpretations of the surname have been seen in the United States, particularly in Massachusetts.
Over time, various other surnames have been associated with the MacEvaddy family origin. Spellings such as MacEade, McIvedagh, McAvade, MacEvadda, and MacEvey have been documented in the US.
MacEvaddy is an ancient Irish surname with many variations and spellings, all originating from the same noble family and clan. It has spread across the world, and is associated with many other surnames all from the same origin.
Famous people with the name MacEvaddy
- Ian MacEvaddy: Actor known for his roles in television shows like Luke Cage, Wallflower, and Fearless.
- Terence MacEvaddy: Irish preserves maker and former soldier who won a Variety Club award for entrepreneurial achievement.
- Willy MacEvaddy: Irish actor and stage performer who is known for his work in the 1950's version of Hamlet.
- Cillian MacEvaddy: Actor, comedian and writer, best known for his role in the BBC sitcom Oh Well!
- Agnes MacEvaddy: American playwright, actress and singer who is best known for her performance in the 1958 revival of South Pacific.
- Peter MacEvaddy: British actor, best known for his roles in musicals such as The Wizard of Oz, Oliver!, and Annie Get Your Gun.
- Annette MacEvaddy: Irish chef, restaurateur and television personality whose cooking show ended up being one of the most watched cooking shows on Irish television.
- Jane MacEvaddy: English actress who is primarily known for her role in My Family in 2004.
- Sean MacEvaddy: Irish-born professional boxer and mixed martial artist who competed in Ultimate Fighting Championship, Bellator MMA and Cage Warriors.
- Catherine MacEvaddy: Scottish composer and pianist who is best known for composing film scores such as The Gods of Egypt and Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials.