Surname MacKim - Meaning and Origin
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MacKim: What does the surname MacKim mean?
The last name MacKim is a variant spelling of the name MacKimm, which is an Irish surname of Scottish origin. The original version, MacGillimm, was derived from the Gaelic name MacGillEimhir, which translates literally to "son of the servant of the Lord of the Sea". It is thought to have been an occupational name given by a family who worked for a lord on the coast of Scotland or Ireland.
McKimm is primarily a Scottish and Northern Irish name, but the MacKim version can be found in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. The MacKimm spelling first arose in the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The family likely moved to Ireland at some point during the turbulent 17th and 18th centuries when many Scots sought refuge in Ireland.
Today, the MacKim name continues to be found in many English-speaking countries, including the United States. In the US, the most populous states with MacKims include California, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.
The MacKim name is an interesting blend of Gaelic and Scottish that speaks to its long and varied history. Those with this surname can be proud of its deep ties to Scotland and Ireland, indicative of an ancestral journey of exploration, survival, and eventual success.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKim: Where does the name MacKim come from?
The last name MacKim is most commonly found in Scotland. The name is of Celtic origin and is derived from the Gaelic MacCathmhaoill, meaning "son of a battle chief". According to records, the family has been living in Scotland since the 12th century.
Today, the last name MacKim is most frequently found in the Outer Hebrides region of Scotland. This area is historically known for its extensive Gaelic heritage, so it is not surprising that MacKim is one of the most prevalent last names in the region.
Other notable parts of Scotland where the last name is found today include Glasgow and Edinburgh. There are also MacKims living in the USA, Canada, Ireland, Australia and other countries throughout the world.
Various spellings of the MacKim name exist, including Mackeam, Mackaim, Makkeam, Mackeen, McKane and McKim, which further testifies to the widespread presence of the family.
Variations of the surname MacKim
The surname MacKim is derived from the Mac an Chaimh, which is a Gaelic phrase meaning “son of the comb”. The surname is found mainly in Scotland, Ireland, and the Isle of Man, and variations of the spelling include MacKym, Mackim, M'Kim, Macghym, and MacKym.
In Scotland, the surname MacKim is also spelled Makem, Makim or Mackam. In Ireland, the variants include MacGaim, MacKeam, MacKaine, MacKeane, and MacKheam. In the Isle of Man, the variations include McColgan, McColgin, and MacColgaine.
In certain areas (mostly in Scotland), some bearers of the MacKim surname are believed to be of Scandinavian descent, rather than Scottish. This is because the ancient Gaelic title of the Clan Chattan was MacGillechattan—which translates to Son of the Young Servant. This has led to some variants of the surname such as MacCillichattan, MacCillichintan, and MacHillechattan.
Although the MacKim surname is still quite widespread, with many families still living in Scotland, Ireland, and the Isle of Man, it has also spread to many other countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Variants of the surname such as McKim, Makem, and Makim can also be found in these countries.
Famous people with the name MacKim
- Neil MacKimmie: Canadian actor
- Michael MacKimmie: Canadian actor
- Cian MacKimmie: Scottish singer-songwriter
- Jennifer MacKimmie: Canadian director and painter
- George MacKimmie: American politician
- Greg MacKimmie: American baseball player
- Brin MacKimmie: British actor and writer
- Adrianne MacKimmie: Canadian singer and actress
- Ezra MacKimmie: American writer
- Chloe MacKimmie: British children’s author