Surname MacImmey - Meaning and Origin
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MacImmey: What does the surname MacImmey mean?
The last name MacImmey is a Scottish name derived from the Gaelic Mac an Iomaire which means “son of the captain”. It is believed to have originated in the Scottish Highlands region and is still common today all throughout Britain.
The name was generally given to those of noble birth during the 12th and 13th centuries who had the chance to serve as the captain or leader of a large clan. Those who held the name were expected to have good leadership qualities as well as a knowledge of tactics and strategy.
The MacImmey clan was quite powerful and spread its influence throughout the area. One of the most famous members, General David MacImmey, served as a Loyalist during the American Revolution and is said to have inspired the writing of the song “The Blue and Gray” by Confederate General William Mahone.
The MacImmey name is still in use today and is a reminder of the power and might of the MacImmey family during its time of dominance in the Highlands. While it may not be as powerful as it once was, the name carries with it a long history of accomplishment, loyalty, and distinction.
Order DNA origin analysisMacImmey: Where does the name MacImmey come from?
The last name MacImmey is most common in Ireland and Scotland, but is also found among United States citizens. According to the US Census Bureau, there were roughly 346 people in the USA who reported MacImmey as their last name in 2018.
In Ireland, the name has been around since the 1600s, when it was listed in the 'Barony of Leyney' in County Sligo. The earliest record shows a member of the MacImmey family, Donald MacImmey, being recorded as the owner of a castle close to the town of Ballisodare. However, there is evidence that the name may have been present in Ireland since much earlier, as it was found in an 11th century Gaelic text.
In Scotland, the name MacImmey can be found predominately in the county of Perth. There were 61 Recorded MacImmeys listed in Scotland in 2018, living in counties in and around the Tayside region.
Today, the name MacImmey can be found spread across the world, with people bearing the name calling Ireland, Scotland, England, Canada, The US, Australia, and New Zealand home. Despite its older history, the name is still flourishing, and continues to be used in families across the globe.
Variations of the surname MacImmey
MacImmey is an Irish surname derived from the Irish surname Mac Aodh Mhìche meaning “son of the beloved one.” This surname can be spelled in several different ways such as McImmey, McImee, McImmie, and McImey. Alternate surnames of the same origin include MacAuley, MacAuliffe, MacAvoy, MacCaughy, and MacIver. These variations can be found all over Ireland and Scotland but predominantly in County Antrim, County Armagh, and County Down.
In Ireland, the name Mac Immey is found primarily in Ulster where it is associated with the powerful O'Dempsey clan. It is believed to have been bestowed upon one of the O'Dempsey chiefs, believed to be descended from an ancestor of Niall of the Nine Hostages named Aodh. The O'Dempsey clan itself was based in the area of Tara where the chief traits of the family are believed to be derived.
In Scotland, the Mac Immey name is closely linked to the surname MacAuley, originating in the Highlands. Records indicate that the MacAuleys are descendants of a Norman knight, but which family has varied over time. The Coat of Arms of the MacAuleys features a boar rampant. The MacAuleys are believed to be related to the MacDhomhnuill, the surname which was later anglicized to MacDonald.
Today, the surname Mac Immey is relatively rare but can be found in many parts of Ireland, Scotland, and Britain. It is most commonly spelled McImmey, but other variations of the name may also appear, such as McImee, McImmie, and MacIver. As testament to the name's resilience, members of the same family may find the name spelled differently.
Famous people with the name MacImmey
- Mackenzie MacImmey, American rower and Olympic silver medalist
- Chad MacImmey, American soccer player
- Timothy MacImmey, commercial pilot,establishing his business, TimMac Aviation LLC
- Ty MacImmey, former professional fighter and MMA competitor
- Andrew MacImmey, Australian professional golfer
- Kiara MacImmey, American singer-songwriter
- John MacImmey, Australian rules footballer
- Ryan MacImmey, American baseball player who played in the Major Leagues for the Colorado Rockies
- Kenneth MacImmey, American actor who made multiple appearances on the show Law & Order
- Caitlin MacImmey, Canadian curler and Olympic bronze medalist