Surname MacScahill - Meaning and Origin
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MacScahill: What does the surname MacScahill mean?
The last name MacScahill is an Irish surname that originated in County Mayo and surrounding areas of western Ireland. It is derived from the Irish O'Scahill and Ó Scanill meaning 'descendant of Scanill' which is derived from the pagan personal name Scandláid meaning 'mandrake'.
MacScahill is a surname that speaks of noble heritage and strength. Traditionally, it was associated with warfare and was linked to the O'Scahills who served as gallowglasses, fierce mercenary warriors from the Hebrides islands. They were fierce and loyal fighters who wore armour and wielded a variety of weapons.
In modern times, MacScahill is still a surname that holds substantial meaning. It is a reminder of our Irish roots and freedom, and of a time when ancestral clans defended their homeland. It represents family and loyalty to one another, as well as honor and pride in our heritage.
Overall, the last name MacScahill is routed in ancient Irish history and carries considerable importance. It is a reminder of strength, courage, and the masculine warrior persona, all of which are themes that echo throughout Irish history and continue to be important today. It evokes a sense of pride for Irish people all around the world.
Order DNA origin analysisMacScahill: Where does the name MacScahill come from?
The last name MacScahill is not very common today outside of Ireland. Primarily, it is found in the south-west and east coasts of the country where it originated; primarily in the counties of Kerry, Cork, and Westmeath.
In Kerry, branches of the original MacScahill family can be traced back to the 16th century. This area of Ireland is known as Gaelic speaking regions, with a heavy influence of Norman-Irish culture. As a result, the family name is of a chiefly Norman-Irish (Gaelic) origin.
MacScahill is also found in pockets of Northern Ireland, particularly in Belfast along with other Scots-Irish settlements. It appears in census information into the 19th century when many Irish immigrants began to settle in places such as the United States, Australia, and Canada.
Today, the diaspora of the MacScahill family is global, with unique family members scattered throughout the world. In the US alone, people with the name MacScahill can be found in almost all states, tracing their origin back to 19th century Irish immigration.
The name is increasingly rare the further away the family diaspora travels from its roots in Ireland, with the name often altered as it spreads. Whether a modern MacScahill found in the US, Canada, or Australia knows it or not, they can thank their Irish forefathers for their heritage.
Variations of the surname MacScahill
The surname MacScahill has several originating variants, spellings and surnames that are derived from it.
MacScahill is a form of the Irish surname MacEachail or MacEachagh. This has English and Scots Gaelic forms, such as MacCaghwell, MacKewell, MacCewell, MacKahill and MacCahill. In addition, the MacCoughill, MacCougall and MacCola versions are found among Ulster Scot and Scottish families.
The original Irish name came from the Gaelic “MacEachbhail”, meaning “son of Eachbhail”. “Eachbhall” or “Eachbhail” itself comes from the Gaelic “each” meaning “horse”, and “ball” or “bhail”, meaning “strong”. Hence the name indicates the descendants of the strong horseman or warrior.
The surnames Mackahill and MacKahill are thought to have derived from the ancient MacCahill sept of County Tyrone, which was part of the Ulaidh tribe in Ulster. This sept was descended from the descendants of Gunna MacGunn, a powerful 11th century warrior.
In addition to thevarious forms of MacScahill, many other surname variants exist, such as MacGahill, McKahill and McKehill. These names can also be found amongst the families descended from the MacScahills.
Another derivative of the MacScahill surnames is the name McCain. This variation is believed to have derived from MacScahill, and is found mainly in Scotland and in the provinces of Ulster and Connacht in the west of Ireland. In Ireland, the name also morphed over time into the forms MacKain and MagKain.
Overall, there are many fascinating variants and spellings of the MacScahill surname that are all related and have their origins in either the Irish language or the Scots language.
Famous people with the name MacScahill
- Tadhg MacScahill: Irish film director, known for his work on Out of the Fire (2017) and Blacklung (2014).
- Myles MacScahill: Irish actor who has appeared in many productions including Hinterland (2016–2017) and Ifta Award-winning shorts Noggin the Nog (2019) and The Clockmakers Dream (2020).
- Sorcha MacScahill: Irish dancer who is a former winner of Ireland's Dancing with the Stars, and is also professionally trained in jazz, tap, and contemporary.
- Niamh MacScahill: Irish actress known for her work on Raw (2018), Rift (2017), and Black 47 (2018).
- Caoimhe MacScahill: Irish singer and songwriter who released her debut album The Apple Line in 2017.
- Owen MacScahill: Irish artist who primarily works in paint and mixed media. He is represented by the Icon Contemporary Art Gallery in Dublin.
- Cian MacScahill: Irish musician who has released several EPs and a debut album titled Sliced Oranges in 2020.
- Cathal MacScahill: Irish sculptor who creates works from sandstone sourced from the Co. Clare quarries, and has held numerous exhibitions in the local and international art scene.
- Izzy MacScahill: Irish fashion designer who has been featured in shows during both Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks.
- Brian MacScahill: Irish professional footballer who plays for Bohemians in the League of Ireland Premier Division.