Surname MacFael - Meaning and Origin
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MacFael: What does the surname MacFael mean?
The surname MacFael is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic MacPhàil, meaning "son of Pàil". Pàil is a Gaelic personal name that is derived from the Latin name Paulus, which means "small" or “humble”. The surname is likely to have originated in Ireland or Scotland, where it is still found in County Cork and along the western seaboard of Scotland.
The bearers of this name have had a significant role in both Irish and Scottish history. A long line of Chiefs descended from the MacFael Clan were prominent during the medieval period in Ireland and Scotland. This included famous figures such as Aonghus Mór MacFael, the progenitor of the clan, who was one of the earliest rulers of Celtic Scotland. The MacFael Clan established their power base in the counties of Ayr, Lanark, Renfrew, Stirling and Dumbarton.
The MacFael Clan is said to have been a sept of the Clan Donald, one of the most powerful clans in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. The clan provided support and military aid to Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Independence against the English. They were also known for their loyalty to Mary, Queen of Scots.
The surname MacFael continues to be used throughout Ireland and Scotland today. Those with the surname MacFael are likely to have a strong sense of identity and family pride, which has been passed down through generations of the clan.
Order DNA origin analysisMacFael: Where does the name MacFael come from?
MacFael is a Scottish surname that is derived from a surname which means "son of Sefill". It is believed that the surname originated in the Scottish Highlands. Today, it is a relatively uncommon name, although it is still most popular in Scotland. It is estimated that less than 3,000 people carry the MacFael surname in Scotland. Beyond Scotland, the name is also found in Northern Ireland, England, and other countries with people of Scottish ancestry. In the United States, it is estimated that fewer than 5,000 people carry the MacFael surname.
The surname can be found scattered throughout the United States, although most of the people carrying the surname are concentrated in the northeastern states of Maine, Vermont, and Massachusetts. Other states in which MacFaele is it is commonly found include New York, Ohio, Illinois, and California. Additionally, MacFael can be found in Australia, Canada, and South Africa.
It is likely that most people with the surname MacFael can trace their ancestry back to Scotland. The name likely passed down from generations in Scotland before being spread around the world. For this reason, many of the people carrying the surname share a similar set of beliefs, traditions, and values.
Variations of the surname MacFael
MacFael is a surname of Scottish origin, which is shared by many families. While the primary spelling of the name is MacFael, there are many variants of this surname. Some of the most common variants include MacFail, MacFaille, MacFaill, MacPhail and MacPhaill.
The surnames MacPhee, McFee, McAulay, Phail, Pharara, and Fael also have the same origin as the MacFael surname. In some variations, the prefix Mac has been dropped, instead resulting in the surname variants of Fael, Fail, and Faill.
Additionally, there are other variations of pronunciation and spelling, depending on the region and the person. The names may also change due to inconsistently spelled Scottish surnames. Some of the most common spellings and gap-fillings include MacFell, McFeely, McCully, MacPhiell, and MacFiell.
The name MacFael can also be found in various spelling variations around the world. In Scotland, the names were often spelled McFall, McPhall, McFall, McFaill, and McPhaill. In Ireland, the name is mostly seen as Mac Phaill, MacFewall, MacPhail, McFail, MacFail, MacFiell, and Mac Pfiell. In other countries, the name sometimes takes on the Anglicized forms of McFall and Faddis, though these variations are much rarer than earlier versions.
Famous people with the name MacFael
- John MacFael: Canadian film producer and director
- Taylar MacFael: American actor
- Todd MacFael: Canadian actor
- Ryan MacFael: American musician
- Amy MacFael: English artist
- Tim MacFael: American actor
- Derek MacFael: Canadian actor
- Thomas MacFael: Scottish politician
- Mallory MacFael: Canadian writer
- Liam MacFael: English actor