Surname MacKaig - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacKaig: What does the surname MacKaig mean?
The surname MacKaig is an old Scottish name which is thought to have a Norse origin. It is believed to come from the old Norse personal name ‘MacKay’ which literally translates as ‘Son of Kenneth’. Traditionally the MacKaig name was found in the North of Scotland in the area of Caithness and Sutherland during the 16th and 17th centuries.
The MacKaig name can also be found as MacKaye, MacKay, McKie, and MacKie. The MacKaig surname is still commonly found in Scotland today, and can also be found worldwide due to people migrating from Scotland over the years.
The MacKaig ancestors were well known for their bravery and loyalty – usually to their lords and masters. They were protectors and guards who fiercely guarded their regions. They were also historically involved with forests and were important agents of landowners and acted as gamekeepers, keeping the borders safe from poaching.
The clan motto of the MacKaig name is ‘Nunquam Non Paratus’ which translates from Latin as ‘Never Unprepared’ an apt phrase for such a brave, strong, and loyal clan.
The MacKaigs come from a long line of proud Scots with a history of strength and bravery. The surname could represent a particularly strong bond of loyalty and protection of their homeland, and the courage to stand up for what is right.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKaig: Where does the name MacKaig come from?
The last name MacKaig is most commonly found in Scotland today. According to statistics, the surname MacKaig is particularly prevalent in the Western parts of Scotland, as well as in the Outer Hebrides and in the county of Argyll.
The origins of the MacKaig name can be traced back to a Nordic origin. It was first used in Scotland when a Viking clan arrived in Galloway in the 8th century. After they settled in the area they adopted the Gaelic form of the last name, which was subsequently passed down from generation to generation.
The first recorded spelling of MacKaig was believed to be in a charter written in 1250. In the document, recorded as "McKaig", a man named Maldouen MacKaig was granted land in Kintyre.
Throughout history, the MacKaig surname is known to have been used in associations with the Clan Donald. The clansmen were recorded in the 15th century, having been linked to the MacMurchads and the MacKinnon's of Skye.
Nowadays, the MacKaig last name continues to be common in Scotland, although it is not as widespread as it was in medieval times. It is thought to be a relatively rare surname with only approximately 375 people in Scotland currently bearing the last name.
Variations of the surname MacKaig
The surname MacKaig is derived from the Gaelic Mac Aodhaig, which means “son of Aodh”, where Aodh is a Gaelic personal name meaning “fire”. Variants of this name include MacKeg, MacKeague, MacKae, MacKay, MacKee, and MacKy. Spellings of the surname from various historical documents and records may vary depending on the dialect of Gaelic spoken in the time period. For example, the surname may appear as MacKeg, M’Kyg, MacKidge, MacKie, MacKaig, MacKayge, and Makeig in early records.
The surname may also be spelled or pronounced differently in various countries or regions as it has spread throughout the world. For example, in Ireland the same surname may be spelled Mackayg or MacEacag, in Scotland MacKoy or Maciow, in Canada Makeig or MacEag, and in the United States it may appear as Mackae or Makeig.
Different surnames derived from the same origin and meaning may be variations in spelling due to dialect or may be a result of waves of migration from different countries over historical times. For example, surnames such as McKegue, McKague, McKee, and McKowod are all related to MacKaig and have the same origin, yet different spellings.
Many of the people who share this surname are connected to one another through unrelated but common ancestors who all originated from the same place. It is possible to trace one’s ancestry through surnames, as relatives look to match their surnames to identify family connections.
Famous people with the name MacKaig
- Mike Mackay, Australian Paralympic swimmer
- Anais Mackay, British figure skater
- Rob Mackay, British actor
- Olivia Mackay, Canadian musician
- Emma Mackay, British model
- Ellie MacKay, Australian actress
- Erika Mackay, British author
- Alex Mackay, Australian professional rugby player
- Adam MacKay, Canadian actor and writer
- Claire Mackay, Scottish politician
- Joanne Mackay, British Paralympian athlete
- CJ Mackay, Australian rugby league football coach
- James MacKay, Canadian politician
- Marcus MacKay, Australian-American actor
- Scott MacKay, New Zealand soldier and politician
- Bobby MacKay, professional hockey player and coach
- Laura MacKay, New Zealand singer-songwriter
- Laurence MacKay, Canadian writer and broadcaster
- Harry MacKay, British track cyclist
- Will MacKay, Scottish artist, writer and illustrator