Surname MacKew - Meaning and Origin
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MacKew: What does the surname MacKew mean?
The last name MacKew is of Scottish origin and is said to be derived from the Gaelic MacChoinnich. The name is believed to be rooted in the Gaelic Old Irish form of the name CEANICH, meaning "Fair" or "Bright in Appearance".
MacKew is an old name of the MacKew clan, which is believed to have come from the area of Galloway in the south-west of Scotland. The clan members were traditionally cattle farmers, or Mackews, and believed to be descended from the old Viking invaders who conquered Scotland centuries earlier.
The MacKew family is believed to have concentrated around the lands of BalmacKew in Banffshire, Scotland. There, they were powerful land owners who owned vast tracts of land and could demand tribute from others.
The traditional MacKew tartan consists of a red background with yellow lines and black flashes on either side. It is believed to signify courage and strength of character, traits which the MacKew family are famous for.
The name MacKew is often seen in Scotland and can be found in many places around the world, especially in America. The MacKews are well regarded for their fiercely loyal attitude to their families and their homeland.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKew: Where does the name MacKew come from?
The last name MacKew is most commonly found in Scotland and Ireland, although there are also people with the surname living in other countries around the world. In Scotland, the name MacKew can be found mainly on the west coast, particularly in the large towns of Glasgow and Edinburgh. In Ireland, the surname is common in the south-basically the counties of Cork, Kerry and Limerick, although other parts of the country are also known to have MacKew families.
In the United States, the last name MacKew is most common in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions, where there is a sizeable population of Scottish-Americans. New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey are the states with the highest concentration of MacKew families, although other states such as Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Maryland also boast MacKews.
Beyond the United States and the British Isles, the surname MacKew can be found in countries around the world, such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This is largely due to the influx of migrants from the British Isles and their descendants who have spread their family name beyond their original homelands.
In sum, the surname MacKew is a relatively widespread name that can be found in many countries across the world, but particularly in the British Isles and the United States.
Variations of the surname MacKew
The surname MacKew has multiple variations, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
The most common spelling is MacKew, which originates from the Gaelic MacDhubhshith, meaning “son of black Seth”. This surname can also be found spelled as MacKewan, MacKewen, Makew, McKew, McKeown, Mackiew, and MacKey.
MacEwen is another variation of the MacKew surname. This is derived from MacEoghainn and means “son of Eoghan or prince”. Variations of MacEwen include MacEwan, McEwan, MacEwens, Mackin, MacKinn, MacKinnon, and MacKeown.
Kew is another variant of MacKew. This is derived from MacGubhain, which essentially means “son of the blacksmith”. Variations of Kew include Kewan, Keown, and Kewen.
MacKew is a sept (a division of a surname) of the Irish Clan MacDonald. This sept traces its roots back to Tormod MacDhubhshith, who was the son of Angus MacDonnell. MacKews can also trace their lineage to Clan MacLennan, a Highland Scots Clan of ancient roots.
Overall, the MacKew surname has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, which includes MacKewan, MacKewen, MacEwen, Kew, Kewan, Kewen, MacEwens, Mackin, MacKinn, MacKinnon, and MacKeown.
Famous people with the name MacKew
- John MacKew: A well-known human rights lawyer from the Philippines.
- Stephen MacKew: Award-winning Canadian musician, singer, and songwriter.
- Arthur MacKew: Renowned British sculptor.
- Ryan MacKew: Award-winning British actor.
- Jackie MacKew: Popular Australian singer and songwriter.
- Bobby MacKew: Popular Scottish musician.
- Will MacKew: Prize-winning Irish writer.
- Isobel MacKew: Renowned Canadian landscape painter.
- Jack MacKew: Renowned Equestrian athlete and Olympic Medalist.
- Jordan MacKew: Notable Scottish dancer and choreographer.