Surname MacKeever - Meaning and Origin
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MacKeever: What does the surname MacKeever mean?
The last name MacKeever is an Anglicization of two distinct Irish surnames. The first of these is Mac Caoimh, derived from the Gaelic language. This name means “son of Caomh”, a personal name with an uncertain meaning. The second surname is Ó Caoimh, which is also derived from the Gaelic language, and means “descendant of Caomh”. Although the exact meaning of Caomh is uncertain, many sources believe it is related to the word caomh which means “beloved”.
Together, MacKeever is believed to mean “son or descendant of the beloved”. The spelling is thought to have been changed to its current form over time, as Gaelic surnames were adapted and Anglicised to suit both traditional customs and contemporary naming trends.
The original Irish spelling is still seen in some places, as in the popular Co. Donegal pub and hostel called MacKeever's of Kilmacrennan in the Gaeltacht region of Ireland. The MacKeever name is now quite widespread and is seen in various parts of the world. In the United States, the greatest concentrations of the name can be found in New York, Ohio, California, and Oklahoma. The name is also common among Irish-Americans, as many have adopted it as a surname.
Overall, the last name MacKeever is believed to be derived from two distinct Gaelic surnames which together mean “son or descendant of the beloved”. The MacKeever name is now quite widespread and is found in various parts of the world, particularly amongst Irish-Americans.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKeever: Where does the name MacKeever come from?
The surname MacKeever is primarily found in Ulster, an area in the north of Ireland. It is particularly common in the regions of County Donegal, County Monaghan, and County Fermanagh.
In some cases, the spelling of MacKeever has been anglicised as MacKever, MacKeefer, and McKeever and the prefix "Mc" is also sometimes used.
The name originates from the Gaelic Mac an Oidhche, meaning "son of the night". It is believed this may refer to a family or individual who had particularly dark hair or skin. Alternatively, it could refer to a family who were skilled at night time activities such as hunting or travelling.
Today, the MacKeever surname is found in numerous countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. It is also reasonably common in the United States, with many clusters found in Pennsylvania and New York.
As of the 2019 United States Census, the surname MacKeever ranked as the 3,347th most common last name in the country. However, it is more commonly found in other countries with particularly high concentrations of the surname in Ireland's Ulster province.
Variations of the surname MacKeever
The surname MacKeever is an ancient Irish surname, originating in County Fermanagh. The surname MacKeever, also spelled MacKee, MacKeevy, MacKeevie and MacKeever, is derived from the Gaelic name MacAodhbhaidh, meaning "son of Aodh," the Irish name for Heber.
The MacKeevers have a long history in Ireland, and the earliest recorded spelling of the surname dates back to 988 AD, when Lucreit MacAadbhaal was recorded. The name has been popularized in modern times by the MacKeevie family of Clan MacKeevie in Scotland.
In addition to MacKeever, the surname is also sometimes spelled MacKee, MacKeevie, MacKeevy, and MacKeever. In Scotland, MacKee and MacKeevie are more common variations of the name. In the United States, the surname is often changed to Keevey, Keefy, Kiefer, Kiefey, and Kiever.
MacKeever is an inclusive surname, and those of the MacKeever clan from County Fermanagh are related to those of the same name in Scotland and the United States. The multiple spellings reflect the complexities of individual family lineage, and in the end are all variations of the same origin.
Famous people with the name MacKeever
- Ethan MacKeever: Ethan MacKeever is a Canadian kayaker and fitness enthusiast who has competed in multiple world kayaking events and won several awards. He is best known for his record-setting run across the Pacific Ocean in 2019.
- James MacKeever: James MacKeever is an Irish-Canadian actor who has appeared in various movies and television series. He is best known for his roles in The Departed and The L Word.
- Kevin MacKeever: Kevin MacKeever is an English footballer who has played for various teams in the United Kingdom and Europe. He is currently a player-manager for English League Two side Colchester United.
- Brad MacKeever: Brad MacKeever is an American entrepreneur and philanthropist. He has founded several successful tech companies and is the Chairman of the MacKeever Foundation, which has awarded grants to dozens of charities across the globe.
- Mariah MacKeever: Mariah MacKeever is an American singer-songwriter and performer. She is best known for her powerful vocals and songs that have resonated with fans all over the world.
- Jack MacKeever: Jack MacKeever is an Australian swimmer who has competed in several World Championship events. He has represented Australia in the 20 km Open Water event at the 2012 London Olympics.
- Lara MacKeever: Lara MacKeever is an American journalist and author. She is best known for her investigative reporting on environmental and social issues in the United States.