Surname MacKetian - Meaning and Origin
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MacKetian: What does the surname MacKetian mean?
The surname MacKetian is of Scottish origin, possibly originating in the Gaelic surname MacSHETIGheain. The name MacKetian is thought to have derived from the Gaelic for son of Shetighean, which literally translates as “son of wildfire”. The name is found mainly in Northern Ireland and Scotland and is believed to derive from an ancestor of the same name. Variations of the name can include Macketty, Mackety, Mackey, MacKeetian, and Mackatee.
The origin of the name is shrouded in mystery with few documented records to provide further insight. Oral tradition suggests that the name might have been adopted in the early 17th century when Scottish settlers first came to the Irish province of Ulster. It’s possible that the name was adopted as a way of helping landowners to differentiate between an Irish and a Scottish tenant.
Despite lacking an extensive documented history, MacKetian remains a proud and strong surname. Families with this surname often have a strong sense of loyalty and identity which they honour throughout generations. The Gaelic roots of the name remain a source of pride for those who carry the MacKetian name and it continues to be a source of great pride and connection for many today.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKetian: Where does the name MacKetian come from?
The name MacKetian is most commonly found in the United Kingdom and Ireland, particularly in Scotland and Northern Ireland. MacKetian is a patronymic surname from the Gaelic MacCoiteighin, which in turn is derived from the clan MacDonald. It is likely that many of the MacKetian families originated in Argyll where the MacDonalds were powerful in the 13th and 14th centuries.
In modern times, records show that MacKetian is one of the top one hundred surnames in Scotland, coming in at number 73. The population remains concentrated in the coastal regions of Scotland, particularly the West Highlands and Islands, as well as in towns and cities throughout Scotland.
The name can also be found in Northern Ireland, again concentrated in coastal and urban areas. While the name is most commonly found in Britain and Ireland, it is likely that some MacKetian families have migrated to other countries over the years, such as the United States and Canada, and it is likely that there are some who spell their surname differently.
For MacKetians everywhere, researching the history of the family, the branches, and the Scottish origins is a great way to uncover more information about the origin and history of the name.
Variations of the surname MacKetian
MacKetian is a surname of Scottish origin primarily associated with the North East region of the country. Historically, the surname was derived from the old Gaelic language, in which it was spelledMacìdean, meaning ‘son of Macìd.’
The variants and spellings associated with the surname MacKetian include: Mackid, Mackyder, MacKedy, MacKeddan, Mackiedan, MacKiedan, MacKeddie, MacKetney, Mackittan, Mackittin, Makittan, Makittin, and Makitor.
Moreover, the surname has various related surnames that share the same origin, such as MacKetney, MacKettan, MacKettin, MacKid, MacKiddy, MacKitteran, MacKetteran, MacKitterton and MacKinnan.
In Ireland, the name is sometimes spelled MacC advising the Gaelic MacAoidh, meaning ‘son of Aodh.’
The various spellings of the surname and its related names are more commonly found in the Ulster region of Ireland where it was first established in the 18th century. It is also established in the United Kingdom and in North America, particularly in the United States, where it is most frequently encountered in the states of Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
Finally, MacKetian is also sometimes referred to as MacTully, MacTulloch, MacTouloch, or MacTuri.
Famous people with the name MacKetian
- Khazhak "Koko" MacKetian: Armenian weightlifting champion and record setter in the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
- Marlene Macketian: Producing Artistic Director and CEO of the Lamplighters Music Theatre in San Francisco, California
- Scott MacKetian: Former NFL player with the Arizona Cardinals in the early 1990's
- Robert MacKetian: Member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
- Dzovag MacKetian: Armenian Canadian film director, screenwriter, and producer
- Tim MacKetian: Pulitzer Prize-winning American journalist and current Myers Professor of Journalism at the University of Maryland
- Carol Ann MacKetian: British soprano, best known for her work in oratorio and concert performances
- Sasha MacKetian: Winner of the Steele Prize for Mathematical Exposition for her 2008 paper, “The Intersection Graphs of Transversals.”
- Vazgen MacKetian: Former President of the National Assembly of Armenia
- Shant MacKetian: Armenian American business executive and philanthropist