Surname MacKelvy - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacKelvy: What does the surname MacKelvy mean?
The last name MacKelvy is derived from an Irish Gaelic surname derived from the nickname Mac Caolbhach, meaning “son of the bald one.” It originates in Scotland, where it was adopted by an important clans chiefs. The MacKelvy clan have had a long and distinguished history through the centuries. Some members of the clan fought in the 17th century wars of Scottish independence against the English.
In Celtic culture, a bald head was considered lucky, and so it is fitting that the MacKelvy clan proclaims a strong and proud family history. The clan crest features a three-headed stag rampant, a reminder of their commitment to justice, courage and loyalty.
The MacKelvys are renowned for their hospitality and graciousness. They are highly respected in Scottish and Irish communities and bring with them a reputation for generosity and integrity. The MacKelvy clan is said to have an unusual strength of character and resilience, making it possible to excel in any career they embark upon.
The MacKelvy family is a proud and noble lineage that has provided generations of Scots-Irish with a sense of national identity and belonging. In today’s world, the MacKelvys have achieved a level of success in both business and politics that would make their ancestors proud.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKelvy: Where does the name MacKelvy come from?
The surname MacKelvy is most commonly found in Scotland, although it is also present in other parts of the British Isles. The name is a patronymic derived from the Scottish Gaelic MacAoidh, which is a derivative of the given name Aodh, or Hugh. This is usually found anglicized as Cokely, MacKelvy, or sometimes as Gourlay. In Scotland, MacKelvy is most popular in Angus, Aberdeenshire, Glasgow City and North Lanarkshire.
The MacKelvy family were well-known supporters of the Stuarts and the Jacobite cause. Records show that more than a handful of them fought with Bonnie Prince Charlie's army at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. As such, many left the country in the aftermath of the battle and immigrated to other parts of the world, particularly the United States. Today, the surname is fairly common in the United States. Although there are also a number of MacKelvys scattered across Europe and Canada, those in the United States outnumber them all.
The MacKelvy name is also popular among some Native American tribes, primarily in the Midwestern United States. It is believed that these bearers of the name may be descended from Jacobite exiles who were taken into native American clans in order to survive. This is a popular belief among those of Native American heritage who share the MacKelvy surname.
In short, the surname MacKelvy is most commonly found in Scotland, but also in other parts of the British Isles, the United States, Europe, Canada and among certain Native American tribes.
Variations of the surname MacKelvy
MacKelvy (also spelled MacClavey, Mccleavey, McIlvee, McElwee, McCrealvey, McKelvey, Mackelvey, Makelvey, Makelevey, MacNeelvey, and Mac Kelvey) is a scottish surname of uncertain meaning.
The MacKelvy surname is thought to derive from the Gaelic Mac Giolla Bhrighde, meaning "son of the follower of St. Bride (Brigit). This suggests the original nameholder would have been a follower of St. Brigit, an ancient Gaelic goddess, one of the most ancient and widely-venerated of the Celtic goddesses of pre-Christian times.
The MacKelvy surname is very common in Scotland, particularly in the northwest, particularly around the city of Glasgow. It is also found in Ireland and in North America, particularly among Scottish and Irish emigrants. As with many Scottish surnames, there are numerous variants of MacKelvy, both in spelling and pronunciation. These include MacClavey, Mccleavey, McIlvee, McElwee, McCrealvey, McKelvey, Mackelvey, Makelvey, Makelevey, MacNeelvey, and Mac Kelvey. Many of these variants may have been created by unknowing transcription errors as well as dialect misinterpretations.
In addition to spelling variants, there are two main alternate surname spellings of similar origin: MacGillivray and MacGillivern. Both are believed to be derived from the same Gaelic source as MacKelvy and share the same meaning as MacKelvy, namely “son of the follower of St. Bride”.
Famous people with the name MacKelvy
- Sigourney MacKelvy: Actor and Activist
- Nina MacKelvy: Professional Tennis Player
- Robert MacKelvy: Musician
- Joe MacKelvy: Professional Baseball Player
- Terence MacKelvy: Film Producer
- Elizabeth MacKelvy: Author
- Suzanne MacKelvy: Screenwriter
- Jack MacKelvy: Basketball Player
- Rose MacKelvy: Environmental Activist
- Grant MacKelvy: Politician
- Lorna MacKelvy: Architect
- Jeff MacKelvy: Comedian
- Timothy MacKelvy: Actor
- Stephen MacKelvy: Chef
- Frances MacKelvy: Television Show Host
- Aiden MacKelvy: Musician
- Sarah MacKelvy: Interior Designer
- David MacKelvy: Paralympian
- Grant MacKelvy: Military Admiral
- Jimmy MacKelvy: Stand Up Comic