Surname MacVAnamy - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacVAnamy: What does the surname MacVAnamy mean?
The last name MacVAnamy is an anglicized form of the Scottish name Mac an Amhlaoibh, which means ‘son of the servant of Amhlaibh’. Amhlaibh was the eleventh-century king of the Isles. The name is found primarily in Scotland, especially on the islands of Harris and Skye in the Hebrides.
The MacVAnamy family is believed to have originated in the Western Isles of Scotland and trace their ancestry back to Amhlaibh. The family lived on the Isle of Harris for many centuries, and over time spread to places such as Glasgow, Edinburgh and Belfast, with some members travelling further afield to Australia and America.
The MacVAnamys are a clan of proud and loyal Scots, and have a long history of service in the military and in the civil service. In times of crisis, they are usually amongst the first to step up and help, and played a major role in both World Wars.
The MacVAnamy coat of arms shows four naked swords in the shape of a cross, signifying strength and courage. It also bears a shield with a stag’s head, which symbolises the enduring strength and courage of the MacVAnamy family.
The MacVAnamy family motto is ‘Fortitudine Vincimus’ which means ‘By courage we conquer’, a motto which speaks of the family honour, courage and loyalty.
Order DNA origin analysisMacVAnamy: Where does the name MacVAnamy come from?
The last name MacVAnamy is most commonly found in the country of Scotland. It is specifically associated with the Argyllshire region of the country. The MacVAnamy name is considered to be a very old Scottish name, suggesting a Norse or Viking origin for its bearers.
The MacVAnamys were first documented as “VAnamys” in 1672 and refer to a Norse family who had settled in the Argyllshire area of Scotland during the 11th century. The family is believed to have descended from the Norse prince, Olafr Tryggvason, a 9th-century ruler of Norway who was known for his fierce raids and invasions of Scotland and England. From the 16th to 18th centuries, the MacVAnamy family was deeply involved in the history of Scotland.
Today, the last name MacVAnamy is still found throughout Scotland. However, there is a noticeable decline in the population bearing the last name, likely due to emigration and assimilation into the general population of Scotland. People bearing the last name are most often found in the Argyllshire region, as well as parts of Fife, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Other countries in which people with the MacVAnamy surname may be found include Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
Variations of the surname MacVAnamy
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname MacVAnamy include MacVanamy, Mac neon am, Mac Naughton, MacVanee, MacVana, MacVane, MacNanan, MacNanney, MacVany, and MacVan.
The surname MacVAnamy is a Scottish surname, originating from the Clan MacNanney, later anglicized to MacNaughton and McNaughton. The variations spellings of this name are likely due to the recorded spellings of it in the 1600s, which weren't always consistent. Several of the variants feature different combinations of the forenames Mac and Van, or variations on Van.
MacVanamy is also likely to be be a variant of the Gaelic personal name MacGille Bhainne, which means ‘son of the gold-haired’. This could be the inspiration for the other surnames which contain Mac, such as MacVanee, MacVana, and MacVane.
MacNanan is likely another Anglicised version of MacGille Bhainne, and MacNanney may also originate from the same source. The other variants, MacVany and MacVan, likely derive from a combination of the two Celtic elements Mac and Van.
In conclusion, the variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname MacVAnamy include: MacVanamy, Mac neon am, Mac Naughton, MacVanee, MacVana, MacVane, MacNanan, MacNanney, MacVany, and MacVan.
Famous people with the name MacVAnamy
- Angus MacVAnamy: Angus MacVAnamy is a Scottish singer and songwriter who has achieved chart success mainly in the UK. He is also an active campaigner for LGBT rights.
- Travis MacVAnamy: Travis MacVAnamy is an American media executive and entrepreneur who is best known for his work in venture capital and the digital media industry.
- Fergus MacVAnamy: Fergus MacVAnamy is a Scottish novelist and poet whose works include novels, short stories and poetry. He is also an active supporter of LGBT rights.
- Carole MacVAnamy: Carole MacVAnamy is a British actress and writer who has had roles in many television shows and films, most notably Coronation Street.
- David MacVAnamy: David MacVAnamy is a British actor who is best known for his roles in Casualty, Father Ted and Spooks.
- Mary MacVAnamy: Mary MacVAnamy is a Scottish singer and songwriter who has achieved chart success in both the UK and the US.
- Anthea MacVAnamy: Anthea MacVAnamy is a British actress who has had smaller roles in films and television shows, but is best known for her work as a voiceover artist.