Surname MacKeeman - Meaning and Origin
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MacKeeman: What does the surname MacKeeman mean?
The surname MacKeeman is of Scottish origin. The name originated as an anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac an Cheuma, meaning “son of Cheuma”. Cheuma is a Gaelic personal name derived from caomh, meaning “kind” or “comely”. The earliest record of the name MacKeeman appears in records from the 16th century in Ayrshire, Scotland.
The surname MacKeeman spread to other parts of the United Kingdom and the United States. In the United States, the MacKeeman surname is commonly found in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas. The MacKeeman surname has also been noted as having variants, including Makonan, MacKonan, and MacKedom.
The MacKeeman surname is associated with loyalty and a strong work ethic. This is often highlighted in the career paths chosen by people with this surname. Many people with this surname have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs, soldiers, authors, and politicians.
Because the name originates from Scotland, the MacKeeman surname may still be found in Scotland today. It is likely to be found in places like Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, and Aberdeen. There may also be branches of the MacKeeman family in Scotland who have emigrated to other parts of the world.
Overall, the MacKeeman surname is likely to have strong ties to Scotland and Gaelic ancestry. The name is associated with loyalty, a strong work ethic and determination which are traits that can be seen in many of its ancestors.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKeeman: Where does the name MacKeeman come from?
The last name MacKeeman is largely confined to the UK and Ireland today. It is most commonly associated with Scotland, a country whose inhabitants once carried the MacKeeman surname. The first recorded bearer of the name, on record, is Rory MacKeeman of Clan Mackinnon who lived in the Coigach region of Scotland in the 15th century.
This clan is believed to have descended from the Ui Niall of Ireland, who were a sept of the Niall of the Nine Hostages, an ancient and powerful Irish dynasty. As a result, the MacKeeman last name is also found in modern-day Ireland although it is far less common than in Scotland.
In modern times, the MacKeeman surname is still somewhat prominent in Scotland. Today, there are a number of clans and branches of the Clan Mackinnon that still bear the MacKeeman name. Most of these clans are now concentrated on the west coast of Scotland, particularly around the region of Coigach.
Elsewhere in the UK, the name is far less common although there are still some MacKeeman families living in England and Wales. This is particularly true of certain Scots diaspora communities and Scottish enclaves in major British cities.
Overall, the MacKeeman last name is still relatively common in the UK and Ireland although it is most closely associated with Scotland. Its long and interesting history means it is still represented in many branches of the Clan Mackinnon and other Scottish diaspora communities across the Atlantic.
Variations of the surname MacKeeman
The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname MacKeeman are MacKeman, MacKemanne, McKeman, and MacKenan.
The surname MacKeeman is a derivation of the place name ‘MacKeeman’s Land’ which is thought to be located in the north east of Scotland. The origin of the surname dates back to the 16th century when a number of families with the same name were documented in the area.
The surname MacKeeman (also spelled MacKenan) is quite rare and can be found in Scotland, Ireland, and parts of England. It has numerous variations, including MacKeman, MacKemanne, McKeman, and MacKenan. The etymological origin of the surname is rooted in the Gaelic term ‘mac’ and ‘ceuman’, which translates as “a man of the wood”.
MacKeeman has two possible spellings. The first spelling has been used in Scotland for centuries and is spelled MacKeman, MacKemanne, or McKeman. The second spelling was derived from the Irish spelling of MacKenan which has more recently been adopted by some branches of the family.
Although the surname has a long and varied history, it remains a rare surname today with only a few hundred people carrying the name throughout the world.
Famous people with the name MacKeeman
- Heather MacKeeman: Canadian singer-songwriter and actress
- John MacKeeman: Canadian Lutheran pastor, teacher, politician, and author
- Logan MacKeeman: Canadian professional ice hockey player
- James Mackeeman: Canadian former politician
- Neil MacKeeman: Canadian singer-songwriter
- Lulu MacKeeman: Canadian jazz and bluegrass vocalist
- Robert MacKeeman: American senior professor, Natural Sciences
- Iain MacKeeman: British professional soccer player
- Colin MacKeeman: Canadian actor and filmmaker
- Ruth MacKeeman: British professional artist and sculptor