Surname MacKeith - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacKeith: What does the surname MacKeith mean?
The last name MacKeith is derived from the ancient Gaelic clan name of MacEidith. It is a patronymic surname, meaning “son of Eidith”, and was most likely acquired by the ancestors of the MacKeith family during the time of the Scottish Gaelic influence in the Isles of Scotland.
The etymology of the name MacEidith can be traced back to the old Gaelic word Eid, which translates into “possessor, owner”. The suffix -ith is a diminutive, meaning “little”. Therefore, the name is believed to roughly translate as “Little Owner”.
The MacKeith surname may have originally been used to describe a small landholder, whose land possession was signified by his clan name. The name was probably derived from the landholding family of the same name, and might have been used to distinguish one clan from another.
The MacKeith surname is most commonly found throughout Scotland, although there are many people throughout Britain and around the world who can trace their ancestry to this clan. The MacKeith name is also relatively rare in its native Scotland, but is beginning to regain popularity as a Scottish surname.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKeith: Where does the name MacKeith come from?
The Scottish surname MacKeith is believed to be derived from the Gaelic personal name MacEochaidh, which is composed of elements meaning "son of Eochaidh". The surname is mainly found in areas that were once under the influence of the influential Keith Clan. The clan was originally from the county of Banff, Scotland and were prominent in the 15th century.
Today, MacKeith is primarily associated with Scotland, Northern Ireland, and England, though it can also be found in other parts of the British Isles and in various other places around the world. In Scotland, one of the most densely populated areas for the surname is the Highlands and Islands region. Counties like Caithness and Sutherland, which have deep connections to Clan Keith, are also quite prevalent.
In Northern Ireland, the MacKeith surname is found primarily in Antrim, Derry, Tyrone, and Fermanagh. England is home to a large number of MacKeiths, especially in the North West and Yorkshire regions. Additionally, many MacKeiths have emigrated to Australia, New Zealand, and North America.
Overall, the MacKeith surname is still well-spread throughout the British Isles and beyond. It is a proud part of Scottish, Irish, and English heritage and is a testament to the vibrancy and strength of the area’s shared culture.
Variations of the surname MacKeith
The MacKeith surname is a Scottish surname of Gaelic origin. It is usually spelt MacKeth in Scotland and MacKeth in Ireland. Derived from the Gaelic Mac Eachaidh (meaning "son of Aodh"), it is one of many septs of the Clan Mackenzie.
Variants of the surname MacKeith include MacKeth, MacKettle, MacKethan, MacKait, MacKhell, Mackiggan, Mckayght, and Mckaylth.
Variations in spelling MacKeith include MacCaeth, MacCaith, MacCoth, Mackery, MacKaith, Maketh, MacKee, McKaeth, and McKeth.
The surname MacKeith may also have other surnames of similar origin. These include MacAyd, MacAdy, MacIndoe, and MacIndood.
Synonymous surnames of the same origin include MacKay and McKay. These surnames have the same Gaelic origin as the MacKeith surname. The difference in spelling between them is due to the fact that both names were originally written and pronounced differently. For instance, the Gaelic version of the MacKay surname, MacAoidh, has been anglicized to MacKay and Mackay. Similarly, the Gaelic version of the McKay surname, MacAoidh, has been anglicized to McKay.
In some cases, the surname MacKeith has also been changed to an entirely different name with no relation to the original. Examples of these include Keith, Keath, Kieth, Keyth, Keys, Keyes, Keithes, and Kith.
Famous people with the name MacKeith
- Dame Alice MacKeith: pioneering mental health nurse
- Angus MacKeith: Scottish naturalist
- Sir John MacKeith- the officer-in-charge of the Royal Air Force in Mesopotamia
- Thomas MacKeith: Victorian Archbishop of Edinburgh
- Sir William MacKeith: British-Australian veterinary officer, innovator, entrepreneur
- Clementina MacKeith: first female Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons
- John MacKeith: Scottish-American pastor
- Andy MacKeith: British actor
- Ann MacKeith: British novelist
- George MacKeith: British army major and explorer in East Africa