Surname MacPhee - Meaning and Origin
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MacPhee: What does the surname MacPhee mean?
The last name MacPhee is of Scottish origin and is often found in the Western Isles of Scotland. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Mac Dhuibhshíthe" which translates to “son of Duibhshíth,” a compound of “dubh” which means “black” and “síth” which means “peace.” The name refers to a descendant of Dubhsith, a personal name derived from these elements. In lineage, the MacPhees are related to the MacDonalds as they descended from a common ancestor named Donald. The MacPhees were considered the standard bearers of the Clan Donald. Despite this high status, the MacPhees did not have their own territory and lived on the lands of other clans. Over time, due to various historical, social, and economic factors, many individuals bearing the MacPhee surname migrated to North America, Australia, and other countries in the English-speaking world.
Order DNA origin analysisMacPhee: Where does the name MacPhee come from?
The surname MacPhee originates from Scotland, particularly from the Hebrides and Highlands. It is said to be derived from the Old Gaelic 'MacDhubhshith', which combines the elements 'mac', son of, 'dubh', black, and 'sith', peace. Over time, the name underwent several changes, eventually becoming MacPhee in English.
The MacPhees originally held a family seat in Colonsay, an island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. They are largely associated with the MacDonalds of Clanranald, as subordinate clan or a sept, showing their fealty and close relationship with this larger clan.
Today, the surname is most common in Scotland and its descendants abroad, especially in the countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, where there was significant Scottish immigration in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. However, the name is still relatively rare globally. Despite this, individuals with the MacPhee surname can be found worldwide, showcasing the extensive dispersal of Scottish people to various nations.
Variations of the surname MacPhee
The surname MacPhee is traditionally Scottish and is an anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Dhuibhshíthe, which means 'black peace'. This last name has many different variations and spellings due to changes through time, geographical locations, and translations.
Some common variants include: McPhee, MacFee, McFee, MacPhie, McPhie, Macfie, Mcfie, MacDuffie, and McDuffie. These versions largely retain the phonetic pronunciation of the original Scottish Gaelic surname but adjust to different spelling norms and conventions.
Other derivations of this surname, especially found in regions where Gaelic isn't commonly spoken, include Duffie, Duffey, and Duffy. These versions are simplifications or anglicizations of the surname.
There is also the less common MacPhae, and MacPhe, likely present in different geographical locations or due to unique family lineages.
Furthermore, as a practise of name normalization, sometimes the prefix Mac or Mc may be dropped, leading to simpler versions like Phee, Fee, Phie, Fie, Phae, Phe among others.
These variations reflect a rich history of the Scottish Gaelic language interacting with different cultures and regions across centuries.
Famous people with the name MacPhee
- Kaitlyn MacPhee: Actress
- Kevin MacPhee: Professional Poker Player
- Claire MacPhee: Actress
- Chris MacPhee: Singer/Songwriter
- John MacPhee: British Painter
- Peter MacPhee: Research Scientist
- Finlay MacPhee: Scottish Footballer
- Kenneth MacPhee: Australian Minerology Professor
- Graham MacPhee: New Zealand Age Group Swimming Coach
- Joaquin MacPhee: Chilean Politician
- Robert MacPhee: Scottish Theologian
- Jared MacPhee: Canadian Actor
- Shannon MacPhee: Canadian Figure Skater
- Janice MacPhee: Canadian Lawyer
- Gordon MacPhee: Canadian Jazz Pianist
- Merle MacPhee: Canadian Female Aviator
- Norman MacPhee: Canadian Banker
- Ella MacPhee: Canadian Olympic Figure Skater
- Clare MacPhee: Canadian Children's Author
- Robin MacPhee: Canadian Playwright