Surname MacQueale - Meaning and Origin
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MacQueale: What does the surname MacQueale mean?
The MacQueale surname is of Scottish origin, meaning "son of Queal" or "son of Cual". Queal or Cual is likely derived from an ancient Gaelic word meaning "hound" or "warrior". As such, MacQueale can be interpreted to mean "son of a hound/warrior".
The earliest records of the MacQueale surname can be traced back to the 13th century, where several MacQueale individuals are documented in a Barony of Carrick in south Ireland. This suggests the name has been in Scotland since the Norman and Gaelic invasions of the 11th and 12th centuries. From there, the name spread across other parts of the British Isles, particularly in England, Ireland and Scotland.
Beyond its traditional history, the MacQueale name is rich in symbolism. Hounds were considered loyal animals in ancient times, and were often regarded as symbols of protection and guardianship. Warriors, on the other hand, symbolized strength and courage and were an integral part of Scottish culture and identity.
Therefore, the MacQueale name can be viewed as a symbol of loyalty, protection, strength, and courage. These qualities are still seen in modern-day Scotland, as the MacQueale name is still a very popular one, with many MacQueales living in the country to this day.
Order DNA origin analysisMacQueale: Where does the name MacQueale come from?
The last name MacQueale is most commonly associated with Ireland and Scotland. It is an anglicization of the Gaelic name Mac Uigheallaigh which originated in medieval Ireland, and is therefore associated with Irish clans of the same name. Today, the last name MacQueale is primarily found in the Irish county of Donegal, as well as parts of Scotland, particularly the highlands. It is also seen in small pockets elsewhere in the United Kingdom and the United States, where immigrants from these countries settled.
The name was first found in the northwestern county of Donegal, where the Irish name Uí Fhionnghaile was anglicized to MacQueale. The clan was very prominent in the area, where it had a long association with the McDonnells of the Tiobraid Arann region. The family seat was at the nearby town of Ramelton.
The MacQueales of Donegal eventually became one of the fiercest and most feared septs in the area. This is evident today, as the name MacQueale often carries an air of history, heritage, and strength. It remains a common surname in the area, although it is not as widespread as it once was. Those with the surname today are proud to bear it, as it stands as a proud testament to their shared heritage and history.
Variations of the surname MacQueale
MacQueale is a Scottish and Irish surname derived from the Gaelic ‘Mac Uiginn’ meaning ‘son of Uiginn’. This name is also spelled MacQuillan, Quillan, Quillen, Quillin, MacQuillin, andMcQuillan. The surname is found in Scotland since the 12th century, where it was first used as a personal name.
Variants of MacQueale include McUiginn, Uiginn, MacUiginn, McQuillan, and MacQuillan. The surname has been found primarily in Donegal, Ireland and in the Scottish Highlands, suggesting that the surname is of both Irish and Scottish origin.
Spelling variations of the surname include MacQueale, MacCuillan, MacGwilin, MacGueillan, MacQueillen, MacGwilyn, MacGweneillen, MacQuillen, MacGuillen, MacQuillin, MacQuillin, MacGueillen, MacGillen, MacGw Endurance, Kin, and Quillin.
Variants of the surname have also been found in English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, England, and New Zealand. These variants include MacQuillan, McQuillan, McOuale, McKillen, McClelland, McKelvey, McCueilland, MacWillan, and MacNeille.
Various other spellings of the surname include McQueilen, McWillan, MacNailen, MacNayle, McWhillan, Magillen, McGinnan, MacGuellen, MacGullen, Magill, MacWheelan, McNeillan, McCuellan, McCuellen, and Mcöuan.
Famous people with the name MacQueale
- A.G. Macqueale: Canadian politician and first mayor of Kamloops, British Columbia
- Aileen Macqueale: Canadian artist, printmaker, and teacher
- Alex Macqueale: Canadian professional ice-hockey player
- Gilberte MacQueale Stanfield: Canadian operatic lyric soprano
- Heather MacQueale: Australian sprint canoeist
- James Macqueale: Canadian Army officer and member of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island
- Jamie Macqueale: British actor
- John MacQueue: Canadian politician and Member of Parliament from 1984 to 1993
- Murray Macqueale: Canadian curler
- Robert Macqueale: Canadian broadcaster and producer
- Somerled Macqueale: writer, professor, editor and mountaineer from Nova Scotia, Canada
- Stanley Macqueale: Canadian ice hockey player
- William MacQueale: Canadian businessman who served in the Legislative Assembly of Newfound and Labrador, Canada