Surname MacKeevers - Meaning and Origin

MacKeevers: What does the surname MacKeevers mean?

The last name MacKeevers is of Scottish origin. Its roots can be traced to the ancient Mackeever Clan of Scotland. The name was originally derived from the Gaelic Mag eachair, a combination of the elements magh, meaning "plain or field", and cear, meaning "mighty, brave, strong". Historically, the name was associated with a prominent family from the Scottish Highlands, who were believed to have descended from a number of Earls of MacKeevers in the 13th century.

This clan of MacKeevers was likely composed of warriors and chieftains who fought alongside Robert the Bruce in the War of Scottish Independence. Their legacy along with their military strength and courage remains an important part of the MacKeevers' story.

Today, the MacKeevers surname stands for strength, loyalty and perseverance. It is a reminder of a proud family who faced adversity and faced it head-on. Although the name has long been associated with Scotland, MacKeevers can now be found all over the world. Those who bear the name can take pride in their family’s history, knowing that the MacKeevers are strong and can overcome any challenge.

MacKeevers: Where does the name MacKeevers come from?

The last name Mackeevers is mainly found in the United States today. The SurnameDB Website lists the distribution of the name as 70.8% in the United States, with the other 29.2% scattered in other countries including Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is believed to have originated in Scotland, where many of the first known references of the name can be found as early as 1200 A.D.

The MacKeevers are sometimes referred to as a sept of the O'Neill or Irish Clan. This is because the O’Neill was a powerful and influential family in Scotland, and many MacKeevers were loyal servants of the clan. The MacKeevers were also part of the borderland Clans, which inhabited the Border region of Scotland and England.

Today, the MacKeevers have spread far from Scotland and can found across the United States. In particular, a high concentration of MacKeevers can be found around the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. These are believed to be the descendants of those who arrived in America in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The MacKeevers are a proud family, with a long and distinguished history in Scotland. It is no surprise to find them spread around America today, living proud lives and keeping the spirit of their ancestors afar.

Variations of the surname MacKeevers

The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname MacKeevers are:

M’Keevers/McKeevers: This is the most common spelling of the surname MacKeevers. It is derived from the Gaelic term “Mac an Iubhair” which translates to “son of the Cooper”. This variant of the name has been in existence since the 17th century.

MacKevar/MacKevay: This variant is found primarily in Scotland, where the MacKeevers family originated. It is thought to have originated from the Gaelic phrase “Mac Iubhair”, meaning “son of the Cooper”.

MacKiever: This surname is an offshoot of the MacKeevers family, which appeared in the late 19th century. It is derived from the Irish “Mac Iubhair” meaning “son of the cooper.”

MacKeever: This variant is also derived from the Gaelic “Mac Iubhair” and has been in existence since the 18th century.

MacKeeve: This variant is a contraction of the original MacKeevers surname, which was first adopted in the 19th century.

McCaw: This variant of the MacKeevers surname is found primarily in Scotland. It is thought to have derived from the Gaelic “Mac Uibhair” which means “son of the cooper”.

MacKevoy: This variant is found mainly in Ireland and Scotland and is derived from the Irish Gaelic “Mac Iubhair”, which translates to “son of the cooper”.

Overall, MacKeevers is the common surname spelling for this origin. The surname has likely evolved and changed over the centuries, with some variants still bearing its original “Mac Iubhair” origin.

Famous people with the name MacKeevers

• Rory MacKeevers: Rory MacKeevers is an American actor best known for starring in the ABC drama series Castle.
• Chris Mackkevers: Chris Mackkevers is an American music producer, illustrator and video editor.
• Holly MacKeevers: Holly MacKeevers is a Canadian actress, best known for her role on Smallville, Hillside and Strange Days at Blake Holsey High.
• Lucy Mackkevers: Lucy Mackkevers is a British actress who is best known for her role in the BBC drama, Lark Rise to Candleford.
• Mike Mackkevers: Mike Mackkevers is an American country music artist, best known for his songs "Walking in the Rain" and "I Believe".
• William MacKeevers: William MacKeevers is an American politician who served from 1975 to 1979 in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
• William MacKeevers, Jr.: William MacKeevers, Jr. is an American musician who is best known as the lead guitar player for the popular musical group "Dancing Machine".
• Stephen MacKeevers: Stephen MacKeevers is an American author of science fiction and horror. He has published a number of novels and short stories in the genre.
• Gary MacKeevers: Gary MacKeevers is an American actor best known for his roles in the ABC soap operas All My Children and General Hospital.
• Gunnar MacKeevers: Gunnar MacKeevers is a Swedish musician best known for his work in the alternative rock band maintenance.

Other surnames

MacKeeveenMacKeever