Surname MacKissock - Meaning and Origin
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MacKissock: What does the surname MacKissock mean?
The last name MacKissock is of Scottish origin, from the region of Ayrshire. It is derived from the Gaelic Mac Iosog, which means "son of Iosog". The original form of the name was likely M’Iosog and it was likely used as a patronymic, or name indicating descent from a father or ancestor.
As with many Scottish surnames, the name was likely formed by a clan or family adopting a common surname for all of its members. In this case, MacKissock was adopted by the the Clan Boyd, one of the most powerful and respected of the lowland Scottish Clans.
The descendents of the MacKissock clan are scattered across the world today with many of them in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. The family name has many variants, including MacKesock, MacKissick, and MacKisseck, often the result of clerical errors when immigrants registered their names for the first time in their new countries.
For centuries, the MacKissocks have maintained a sense a family identity and ties, both through local clan groups as well as global contacts on the internet. They are known for their loyalty and sense of honor, so indicative of their Scottish roots. As such, they often take great pride in their unique name and original home.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKissock: Where does the name MacKissock come from?
The surname MacKissock is generally found in English-speaking countries, such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, Canada, and the United States. It is more common in certain areas of the world due to its origins as a Scottish name. In Scotland, the MacKissock name is not unusual and is widely distributed throughout the country.
In England, the MacKissock surname is found mostly in the northwest of the country, especially in Lancashire and Yorkshire, where its origins are believed to have first emerged. In the United States, the last name is more widespread, appearing in larger concentrations in Michigan, New York, Illinois, and Massachusetts.
In Australia, the last name MacKissock is not common but is still found in certain areas.
Since this is a fairly uncommon name, it may also be found in other countries, such as New Zealand, India, and Canadian provinces, primarily in areas where immigrants from the United Kingdom and Ireland have settled.
Overall, the last name MacKissock is generally seen in English-speaking countries, with larger concentrations in Scotland, England, the United States, Australia, and other countries with significant populations of British settlers.
Variations of the surname MacKissock
The surname MacKissock is most likely derived from the Gaelic words 'Mac', which signifies 'son of', and 'Ciosog', which may be derived from the term 'Ceosach' which means 'a quizzical or inquiring person'. Variants and spellings of the surname MacKissock include Makkissock, Makissoch, Makisso, Makisoch, MacKisack, Makisoc, MacKesock, Makeesock, Mackesoch, and Mackesack.
Variations of the name may be caused by misspellings, by variations in dialect and by immigration. Historically, variations of the name MacKissock have been found in Scotland and much of Ireland, particularly in Ulster. Due to emigration during the Highland Clearances in the 19th century, many families of the MacKissock surname are now found in North America and Australia.
Surnames related to MacKissock include MacKissick, Mackessack, Mackiesack, and MacKissock. This could be an example of 'ultra-localised 'surnames', in which the spelling of the name is changed in very particular forests or regions.
As surnames become less common, so too do the spelling variations that often arise from regional differences. Many of the variants and spellings of MacKissock are unique to particular regions and have frequently become redundant or discontinued.
Famous people with the name MacKissock
- John MacKissock: Scottish former professional football player and manager.
- Lydia MacKissock: British actress known for her roles in Coronation Street, Doctor Who, and Mrs Brown’s Boys.
- Kessa MacKissock: Scottish golfer and former Women’s British Open Champion.
- William MacKissock: Scottish conceptual artist known for his large-scale installations and sculptures.
- David MacKissock: American airline pilot and entrepreneur.
- Daniel MacKissock: South African chef, restaurateur and tv presenter.
- Rebecca MacKissock: British novelist and poet.
- J. W. MacKissock: American meteorologist and scientist who discovered the MacKissock vortex.
- David MacKissock Jr.: American businessman and real estate developer.
- Erwin MacKissock: Canadian politician and former Liberal member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.