Surname MacIsaac - Meaning and Origin
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MacIsaac: What does the surname MacIsaac mean?
The last name MacIsaac is a Gaelic name meaning “son of Isaac”. It is a patronymic name derived from the given name “Isaac”, which is taken from the Hebrew name Yitzchak and is derived from the Hebrew root words meaning “he will laugh”.
The surname MacIsaac is most common in Scotland, where it began as a Gaelic-speaking people who had migrated from Ireland in the early 13th century. It is also found in Canada, particularly in the Maritimes of Nova Scotia, where many Scots immigrants settled in the 17th and 18th centuries.
The notable MacIsaacs in history include the 20th century Prime Minister of Cape Breton, Roderick MacIsaac; Brigadier General Angus L. MacIsaac, a decorated World War II veteran; and singer-songwriter and actor Ashley MacIsaac. The MacIsaacs have also established numerous clans, organizations, and awards.
The MacIsaac’s motto is “Lamh Foistenach Abu,” which translates from Gaelic as “Our Hand Forever Uppermost.” This phrase suggests the MacIsaacs were ever-proud of their heritage and accomplishments, no matter the circumstances.
The MacIsaac name continues to carry a proud tradition. It is a reminder of the long legacy of strong and independent Scots and the impact they continue to have on society today.
Order DNA origin analysisMacIsaac: Where does the name MacIsaac come from?
The last name MacIsaac is primarily found in Scotland and Canada today. It is a surname of Scottish origin and is particularly associated with the Hebrides region of Scotland. This includes the Outer Hebrides, Islay, and also the Isle of Skye.
In Canada, MacIsaac is one of the most common Canadian surnames, especially in the Province of Nova Scotia. It is also one of the most common surnames in the Maritimes region as a whole. In Nova Scotia, MacIsaac is found particularly in areas such as Cape Breton Island, where the last name originated.
Outside of Scotland and Canada, MacIsaac can be found scattered around the English speaking world. For example, in the United States, MacIsaacs have made their presence known in areas such as Massachusetts, Maine, and Connecticut, all of which have seen a rise in Scottish immigration in the past few decades.
The MacIsaac last name is also found in Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand, and other parts of the world in smaller numbers.
Overall, the last name MacIsaac is quite common today throughout Scotland, Canada, and other parts of the English speaking world.
Variations of the surname MacIsaac
The surname MacIsaac is a fairly common Scottish surname, which can take various forms depending on the region and the time period. The common variants and spellings of the name include McIsaac, MacIsac, MacCaisick, MacCaisac, MacCasick, MacCasaac, Mackisaac, and MacIsack.
In certain regions, the name MacIsaac can also appear as a given name prefixed with “Mc” or “Mac”, such as MacCaig, or as a suffix, like MacIsaacs. Different branches of the same family can take on different spellings, too. In some cases, the name is written as two separate words, such as Mac Isaacs.
The surname has a number of anglicized and anglo-Normanised variants, including Isaacson, Issacson, Issacs and Isaacson. It shares the same roots with other Scottish clans, such as MacIntyre, MacCartney, and MacLaren.
It is also very common to find MacIsaac appended to other family names, such as MacDonald or Campbell, which can be indicative of a branch of a larger clan.
In addition, the MacIsaac surname is sometimes abbreviated to Ick, Icke, Icks, and Ickes. There are also some spelling variations that are specific to accent, dialect, or geography, such as McCassel, MacCessel, McCazzal, M’Kecesel, and McCassel, which are all variants of the same surname.
Overall, the MacIsaac surname is widely recognized across Scotland, and can assume many different spellings and variants depending on the region and time period in which it appears.
Famous people with the name MacIsaac
- Ashley MacIsaac: Folk-rock fiddler from Nova Scotia
- Chase MacIsaac: Canadian professional snowboarder
- Derek MacIsaac: Canadian former football player, active from 1956-1964
- Heather MacIsaac: Canadian Olympic bronze medallist in cross country skiing
- Jayden MacIsaac: Canadian professional ice hockey player
- John Kenneth MacIsaac: Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia from 2000-2006
- Jordan MacIsaac: Canadian professional ice hockey player
- Laura MacIsaac: Member of Canadian folk music group, The MacIsaac Sisters
- Neil MacIsaac: Football Executive for the Toronto Argonauts
- Ross MacIsaac: Canadian Musician, highland bagpiper
- Skye MacIsaac: Member of Canadian folk music group, The MacIsaac Sisters
- William MacIsaac: Canadian Bishop of the Roman Catholic Church