Surname MacSlowey - Meaning and Origin
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MacSlowey: What does the surname MacSlowey mean?
The surname MacSlowey is a common Irish surname. It is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Sluaigh, which translates to 'son of a soldier'. The name is likely derived from a Chief of a Fiana, a private army in medieval Ireland, or a leader of a small Irish community. The name MacSlowey was often used by people of high status in their own communities as a way to distinguish themselves from their neighbours and rivals. It is most commonly found in the province of Ulster in Northern Ireland, but is also found in Scotland.
In many Irish families, the surname is passed down from generation to generation. It often has associations with powerful families who wielded significant influence within their communities. Most families who bear the name MacSlowey are fiercely loyal to their heritage and proud of their Irish ancestry. They often have deep roots in both history and culture which link them to Ireland and the Irish people.
In general, MacSlowey is a proud and noble surname which shines with the glory of Irish history. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of Irish culture and the struggles it faced throughout its existence. It is a name which offers great pride, reverence, and loyalty to those who bear it. The name MacSlowey is inspirational, meaningful, and indicative of the love the Irish have for their heritage and uniting as a people.
Order DNA origin analysisMacSlowey: Where does the name MacSlowey come from?
While MacSlowey is a relatively uncommon name in general, it has its greatest base of bearers in Scotland today. Considering the name’s origin and the fact that Scotland is a relatively small country, this is not particularly surprising.
Records of the earliest recorded MacSlowey family come from the 15th century, with the earliest known Ollamh of Clan MacSlowey, Linny MacSlowey, residing in North Ayrshire, Scotland.
Like many Scottish surnames, it is likely that this name has spread around the world due to emigration over the centuries. Perhaps the greatest concentration of MacSlowey-named individuals, other than Scotland itself, is in the United States, which has, historically, been the greatest recipient of Scottish immigrants.
In the United States today, the highest concentrations of MacSloweys are found in such states as New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Massachusetts, suggesting a rural dispersal and origin by individuals travelling from Scotland in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The MacSlowey name is not widely found outside of Scotland and the United States today. This suggests that it is most likely that it continues to be kept alive because of a strong sense of pride among its bearers located in both the old and the new world.
Variations of the surname MacSlowey
The surname MacSlowey is an Irish surname found mostly in the northwest of Ireland. It is a variant spelling of the more commonly used MacSluaigh, and variations of the name include MacLaheys, MacSloeys, MacSloughies, and MacSloweis.
The origin of the surname is believed to have originally come from Scots-Gaelic and is thought to mean “son of the sluagh” or “son of the small people”, likely referring to a family with small stature or younger offspring.
The Irish form of the surname is Mac Sluaire or Mac Sloighte, which is thought to be derived from the Old English sloh, which means careful or slow, referring to a person who is deliberate and considered in their movements. The Gaelic form of the surname is also thought to be derived from the Old English form or the Norse form, slöovi, which means slice.
The surnames MacSlowey, MacSluaigh, MacLaheys, MacSloeys, MacSloughies and MacSloweis are all variants and spellings of the same origin. Despite their different spelling, they can all be traced back to a common source and thus are all interchangeable.
Famous people with the name MacSlowey
- Rory MacSweeny: American writer and director known for his work on films such as “High Wire” and “The Hangover Part III”
- Liam MacSweeny: Irish actor known for his work in TV series “Patrick Melrose” and “The Terror”
- Neil MacSweeny: Canadian filmmaker and producer, creator of the award-winning documentary “The Line”
- Sarah MacSweeny: British author and journalist whose works include “Fragments of Summer” and “The Most Unsuitable Match”
- Alice MacSweeny: American singer-songwriter and record producer, best known for her solo project “Mirror Talk”
- Kenneth MacSweeny: US Senator from Alabama from 1937 to 1949
- Kurt MacSweeny: US Army General and former Chief of Staff of the US Army
- Maren MacSweeny: Swedish actress and director, known for her work in the film “The Other Side”
- Colin MacSweeny: Canadian-born actor, best known for his role in the TV series “Rookie Blue”
- Jack MacSweeny: British presenter and radio DJ, host of the “MacSweeny Show” on BBC Radio 1.