Surname MacVeigh - Meaning and Origin
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MacVeigh: What does the surname MacVeigh mean?
The surname MacVeigh is of Irish origin, originating from Gaelic Mac an Bheatha or Mac an Mhaoir, meaning "son of life" or "son of the steward". Over time, the name evolved into its current formation through different spellings like McVeigh, McVey, MacVeigh, due to English influences. This surname is very popular in Northern Ireland, particularly in counties Tyrone and Armagh. It is believed to be associated with a sept of the Cenél Eoghain, part of the larger Northern Uí Néill group, that ruled sections of the north of Ireland from the 5th to the 12th centuries. The interpretation of heraldic symbols associated with the name often suggest the characteristics of "worthiness" and "honor". However, as with all surnames, individual families with the name MacVeigh may have different origins and meanings associated with the name due to family history.
Order DNA origin analysisMacVeigh: Where does the name MacVeigh come from?
The surname MacVeigh is of Irish origin, reportedly descending from Celtic chieftain Niall Noígíallach, also known as Niall of the Nine Hostages, who established a dynasty in the 5th century. "MacVeigh" is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Bheatha," which means "son of life." It is in line with the naming conventions in ancient Irish families where the personal name is preceded by “Mac” or “O,” meaning "son of" and "descendent of," respectively.
The name has been anglicized into multiple forms such as MacVeigh, McVeigh, and McVey. Variations in the spelling are due to the inconsistency in translation of Gaelic names to English ones during the process of Anglicization over centuries.
Today, the surname MacVeigh, and its variants, are common in both Ireland and Scotland due to historical migration and settlement patterns. The name has also spread to other countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia as a result of Irish and Scottish emigration.
Variations of the surname MacVeigh
The surname McVeigh is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic "MacBheatha," meaning "son of life." It has various alternate spellings and variants, reflecting changes in pronunciation and transcription over the centuries and among different groups and regions.
The most common variants besides MacVeigh are McVeigh, McVey, MacVay, and MacVey. Other variants can include Mackavea, MacGee, MacVea, McVea, and M'Vey. Sometimes, the prefix "Mac" or "Mc" could be dropped, leading to such variants as Veigh or Vey.
In addition to these, Anglicization of the name has also led to other English-like variants, which include Makepeace and Makepiece, reflecting a direct translation of "son of life."
These variants are most commonly used in Ireland and Scotland, where these are popular and traditional names. It is also worth noting that the surname could have been changed or Americanized during periods of emigration, resulting in even more alternate spellings or surnames. But, the aforementioned constitute the most commonly accepted and recognized versions.
Famous people with the name MacVeigh
- Timothy McVeigh: An infamous name, Timothy McVeigh was an American domestic terrorist who perpetrated the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.
- Conor McVeigh: An Irish professional footballer currently playing for Warrenpoint Town FC in Northern Ireland.
- John McVeigh: An Australian politician, currently serving as Member for Toowoomba South in the Queensland Legislative Assembly.
- Kevin McVeigh: English professional footballer who played in the English Football League for Middlesbrough during the 1970s and 80s.
- Vivienne McVey: An influential figure in the UK health industry, she is the CEO of Virgin Care, and responsible for delivering services to more than one million NHS and social care patients. Please note the spelling of the last name varies as "McVeigh" in most instances.