Surname MacKeigue - Meaning and Origin
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MacKeigue: What does the surname MacKeigue mean?
The last name MacKeigue is an Anglicized version of the Gaelic name Mac Aodha. Aodha is the Irish form for the personal name Aed (or Aodh), and means "fire" or "ardor". The name itself is derived from the Old Gaelic name Aedh, which was also used by the Celts. The name Aed is derived from the Proto-Indo-European word *a̯ei-dh, which meant “to burn”.
The surname MacKeigue originated in the west of Ireland, which is a region that is strongly associated with Irish culture and heritage. The MacKeigue family held a very important standing in their area and were renowned for their strong loyalty throughout the different times of turbulence between England and Ireland. The MacKeiges were also considered to be a very responsible family, capable of handling important matters on behalf of their area of residence. They were very active in contributing to the Gaelic culture of the region and were acknowledged as such.
The MacKeiges, like the rest of the Irish surnames, are descended from an ancient Gaelic ancestor who was responsible for a specific area. The original inhabitants of this area were known as the Uí Echach Cobha, a powerful sept located in the modern day County Mayo. The MacKeiges were known to be descended from them and as such, they often carried several of their characteristics and culture with them.
In terms of a modern interpretation of the surname MacKeigue, it is generally understood to signify someone of strong character, with an inborn loyalty to their home and their roots. It also signifies a person who is comfortable with taking responsibility and is ready to go to any stretch for their family and their culture.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKeigue: Where does the name MacKeigue come from?
The last name MacKeigue is most common in Ireland today, where it ranks 160th in terms of the prevalence of surnames. The surname is often associated with the counties of Cork, Kerry, Limerick, and Clare. It is believed that the name originated with the ancient Gaelic Mac Giolla Easpuig, a personal name which translates to "son of the devotee of Bishop Easpuig".
The form of the name changed slightly over time, with various spellings emerging as families emigrated or moved from place to place. The current spelling of MacKeigue most likely came into vogue during the 19th century, when Irish names began to be recorded with more standardised accuracy.
The name MacKeigue is still seen in many parts of Ireland today, where it is still most common in the aforementioned counties. It has also spread across Ireland and its diaspora, carried with the many James, Johns, and Marys that travelled key parts of Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia.
It is no longer as common as it once was, but the name MacKeigue remains an important piece of Irish family history, and an apt reminder of the proud heritage carried with so many of the Irish diaspora.
Variations of the surname MacKeigue
MacKeigue is an Irish name derived from the Irish Mac Aodha '/mac ee-uh/ meaning ‘son of Aodh’ (Aodh being a given name meaning ‘fire’). Many variants and spellings of MacKeigue have emerged including MacEachern, MakKAigy, McKey, MacKey, MacKeague, McKeigue, MacGeaghe, MacKeigh, MachKeich, MacKee, MacKege, MacKeig, MacKeigy, MacKeihe, MacKeigh, MacKeighe, MacKie, MakKaigh and McKaigh.
Surnames based on this origin include McKague, MacKague, MacKegee, MacKeige, Mackiegh, MacKiegh, MacKeigh, MacKague, MacKeigh, McKee, MacKee, McKeach, McKeage, McKeague, McKeig, McKeige, McKeigh, McKeigue, McKeighe, McKeigy, McKey, McKeigh and McKaigh.
Other associated names include McEachern, MacEachern, MacEachern, McEacherne, MacKeeree, McKiar and MacKegg. Variations of this surname have occurred by using the possessive form of Aodh, such as Mac A'Bháird or Mac a'Bhaird meaning ‘son of bard’.
This surname is prevalent in Scotland, Ireland, North America, and Australia, with the name recorded in numerous documents and records since the 16th century. Notably, the Irish MacKeigue clan was known for its loyalty to the O'Rourke chieftains of County Leitrim (Leathroim).
This surname is associated with the following septs & clans: MacAodha (MacKeigue), MacEager, MacEachern, MacGeaghe, MacKaigy, MacKeigh, MacKeiggy, McKaigh, MacCaire, MacAoidh, MacEogain, MacGill, MacGilleese and MacPhearse. That is, persons with these surnames were all related by common family lines or inter marriages.
Famous people with the name MacKeigue
- Pete MacKeigue: Australian Professional Footballer
- Bill MacKeigue: English actor
- Tony MacKeigue: Irish theatre composer and director
- Jack MacKeigue: Scottish jazz guitarist
- Harold MacKeigue: Canadian folk singer
- Sean MacKeigue: American stand-up comedian
- Thomas MacKeigue: British psychoanalyst
- Marcella MacKeigue: Irish painter
- Eamon MacKeigue: Irish politician
- Alison MacKeigue: English media personality and philanthropist