Surname MakKay - Meaning and Origin

MakKay: What does the surname MakKay mean?

The last name MakKay is of Scottish origin and is derived from the traditional Gaelic surname Mac Aoidh, which translates to 'son of Aodh'. Aodh is an older form of the name Hugh and means 'fire'. This name was quite common in the Highlands of Scotland in the Middle Ages and was also used by some of the clans as they established themselves in the North of Scotland.

MakKay is also thought to be derived from the Gaelic Mac Caoidh, which translates to 'son of Caoidh'. Caoidh is an older form of the nameCuthbert and means 'renowned'. This is a less known name than the other two mentioned and may have been used by a few families, as it was less common in the Highlands.

Historically, MakKay is a name of nobility and was likely assigned to an important leader or family. In modern times it is still a relatively rare surname, which could be due to its history, or its association to the Highlands of Scotland. However, it is still used and has been passed on from generation to generation. For those who have the MakKay surname, it can be a reminder of the proud and noble heritage, as well as a reminder of the family ties that remain to this day.

MakKay: Where does the name MakKay come from?

The surname MakKay (also sometimes spelled as MacKay or McKay) is a common Scottish surname, with origins in the Highlands of Scotland. The name is derived from the Gaelic name MacAoidh, which is a combination of the words ‘ma c’, meaning ‘son’, and ‘Aoidh’, which likely refers to a Norse personal name.

The surname MakKay can be found today in parts of Scotland, England, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. It is particularly common in Canada, where it was popularized by a number of Scottish and Irish settlers. In Scotland, the name is most common in the Highlands, as well as in the Shetland and Orkney Islands.

The Mackay family has a long and illustrious history in Scotland, having been an influential clan since the 12th Century. The head of the clan is the Earl of Sutherland, who currently resides in Castle of Dunrobin. The family's ancestral seat is the Magni Makkay Castle in the parish of Castletown, Shetland.

Today, the MakKay surname is quite widespread and can be found in many different countries. Its popularity in some countries can be attributed to a large number of emigrants who chose to leave the Highlands of Scotland in the 19th and 20th centuries in search of a better life. Despite the distances traveled, it is clear that the MakKay name lives on with many families across the world proudly honouring their Scottish ancestry.

Variations of the surname MakKay

Mackay is an ancient Scottish surname derived from the Scottish Gaelic language, Mac Aoidh (Son of Aodh). Variants exist for the surname Mackay including MacKay, McKey, McKay, MacKey, Makey, Mckie, MacKie, Makay and McKeay.

Mackay is derived from the ancient Gaelic Mac Aoidh, which means 'son of Aodh'. Aodh is the Gaelic form of the given name Hugh, which is derived from Old German, and means 'awe', 'thoughtful', or 'spirited'. Because of this often-associated connotation to fierce warrior families, the name carries with it an empowered air of strength and nobility.

Spellings for the surname Mackay differ depending on the language and the time period of the region where the surname originated. For instance, Mckay is a somewhat more modernized spelling of the name, which became more prevalent in the 1700s and 1800s. Additionally, in Border English-Scottish, different variations of McKay include McKey and MacKie.

Nicknames that were given to people with the surname Mackay reflect the various words associated with the roots of the name. For example, Makey, Mack, Macke, and Mckie are all variations that were used affectionately over the years. Similarly, Makay has been used as a more affectionate variation of the spelling.

No matter which spelling is used, all of these surnames are derived from the same Gaelic roots and share the same meaning, therefore, the spelling variations all carry the same weight in terms of authenticity and validity.

Famous people with the name MakKay

• Tessa MacKay: Canadian actress best known for her roles in A Little Something for Your Birthday, Supernatural, and Killjoys.
• Colby MakKay: American country music singer-songwriter.
• Gail MacKay: Canadian Olympic alpine skier.
• Kane MacKay: Canadian musician and record producer.
• Luke MacKay: Australian model and former member of boy band Noiseworks.
• Amy MacKay: Scottish singer-songwriter best known for her single 'Hammer'.
• Gary MacKay: Scottish footballer representing Motherwell Football Club and Scotland national football team.
• Callum MacKay: Scottish professional squash player and national champion.
• Rufus MacKay: Scottish television presenter, best known for hosting the children's show 'Bob the Builder'.
• David MakKay: British engineer, author, and professor in sustainable energy.
• Sarah MakKay: Australia painter and founder of the Sarah MakKay Art School.
• Roslyn MakKay: Welsh actor, best known for her role in 'The Inheritance'.
• Lee-Ann MakKay: Canadian hockey player and former captain of the Olympic women's ice hockey team.
• Louis MacKay: Australian Paralympic athlete, competing in both cycling and table tennis.
• Hugh MacKay: American actor, best known for his roles in Grey's Anatomy, Sons of Anarchy, and NCIS.
• John MakKay: American composer, producer, and director.
• Donald MakKay: British ornithologist and director of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
• Kirsty MakKay: Scottish television presenter, best known for hosting 'The Hour' on BBC Scotland.
• Zara MakKay: Canadian fashion designer, focusing on ethical and sustainable fashion.
• Lachlan MacKay: Australian comedian, best known for appearances on Good News Week and Q&A.

Other surnames

MakKaye