Surname MacLoy - Meaning and Origin
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MacLoy: What does the surname MacLoy mean?
The MacLoy surname originates from Scotland and is derived from the Gaelic (Gaelic is a broad group of different languages of the Celtic branch) phrase Mac Dhubhshlios, meaning ‘son of the dark one’. From this point, it was then anglicized as MacLoy and then shortened to McLoy or even MacL.
It's believed the MacLoy family derived from Munster in Ireland, before crossing the Irish Sea and settling in Scotland, likely in the Argyll region of Scotland in the late 12th century. The earliest record of the name in Scotland dates to 1214, where it is spelled as “Makclovy” in a charter granted by William the Lion, King of Scotland, to Duncan, MacLoy of Lome.
The family prospered in Scotland and the name was adopted by a branch of the Clan Campbell in the 16th century. The MacLoys who settled in the United States were mainly Protestant Scots-Irish and many came during the colonial period and during the highland clearances, an 18th century forced migration of Scots.
Today, the MacLoy surname is a popular family name throughout Scotland and also in Ireland with small pockets of the family name present in the United States, Australia, and Canada.
Order DNA origin analysisMacLoy: Where does the name MacLoy come from?
The last name MacLoy is most commonly found in Canada today. It is particularly common in the Atlantic Provinces, including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. It is also found in other eastern regions such as Newfoundland and Labrador, and the southern Ontario region.
The MacLoy surname is originally of Scottish and Irish origin, and those who are of the MacLoy clan can trace their ancestry to these countries. It is believed that the surname originated in two main forms, from the Gaelic MacGiolla Daoibh, meaning "follower of David," and from the Irish Mac Giolla Eoin, meaning "son of John." Both of these names are derived from personal names, indicating that many of the MacLoy ancestors used these given names in order to differentiate their bloodlines.
The MacLoy surname has been found in records as far back as the late 12th century, however, the rise in popularity of the name occurred in the late 1600's and early 1700's when Highlanders migrated to North America in search of economic opportunities. It is believed that they kept the MacLoy surname in order to maintain their connections with their homeland.
Today, people with the MacLoy surname can be found all over the world, however, Canada remains the most popular country for the MacLoy clan because of its deep connection to the original Highlanders.
Variations of the surname MacLoy
The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname MacLoy are quite numerous.
MacLoy is an anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic surname “Mac Giolla Eoghain” meaning “son of the servant of Eoghan” or “follower of Eoghan”. This surname is derived from the personal name Eoghan (pronounced Owen). It is derived from the Proto-Celtic *Euganos, which means “youth” or “noble-born”.
The most common variants of the surname MacLoy include MacElroy, McLoy, McLo Corr (or McLo Corry), McLauchlin, McLaughlin, McLouglin, McLuaglin, and MacEoghan.
Other variants of MacLoy include MacLawey, McAlwee, MacIlhoyle, MacIlhoyl, MacLai, MacLaigh, MacLaih, MacLéass, MacLíbhe, MacLeish, MacLisc, MacLise, MacLiseach, MacLisse, MacLissemhail, MacLissy, MacLíse, MacLisey, MacLissie, MacLissin, MacLizzie, MacLoughlin, MacLoughny, and MacLowe.
In Scotland, members of the MacLoy or MacElroy families Anglicized their names to Elroy. In Northern Ireland, others Anglicized their names to Moyloy, and some of these Moyloy families later settled in the United States and changed their surname to Corr.
The fact that MacLoy is an anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic surname Mac Giolla Eoghain, and the numerous variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin prove just how complex and far-reaching the name and its variations have become.
Famous people with the name MacLoy
- Brendan MacLoy: Actor
- Breanna MacLoy: Actress
- Bob MacLoy: Radio Host
- Colm MacLoy: Singer and Songwriter
- David MacLoy: Author
- Jamie MacLoy: Former Canadian Football Player
- Jessie MacLoy: Illustrator
- Julian MacLoy: Filmmaker
- Kathy MacLoy: Actress
- Maureen MacLoy: Actress
- Shawn MacLoy: Professional Wrestler
- Tom MacLoy: Screenwriter
- Jonathan MacLoy: Actor and Writer
- Stephen MacLoy: Actor and Voice Actor
- Tim MacLoy: Professional Boxer