Surname McDuffie - Meaning and Origin

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Exploring ancestral roots with iGENEA's DNA test didn't just reveal genealogical connections but stirred a whirlwind of emotions. The McDuffie surname became more than just a moniker but enhanced my understanding and acceptance of my identity and my place in the grand narrative of history.

D. McDuffie

McDuffie: What does the surname McDuffie mean?

The last name McDuffie is of Scottish origin and was traditionally used in families where the head of the household worked as a dark-featured person, which was originally derived from the Gaelic word "dubh," meaning black. It is a patronymic surname which belongs to the category of hereditary surnames. Patronymic surnames were derived from given names and were the forerunner of modern family names. During the middle ages, the clan system was prevalent in Scotland and these clans were usually identified by a specific geographical area or a powerful Scottish chieftain. The name McDuffie may also have geographical origin, associated with the Gaelic kingdom of Fife in Scotland. McDuffie would then mean "son of Duibhshíthe," a personal name composed of the elements "dubh" (black) and "síth" (peace). But throughout the centuries, surnames, spellings and meanings have significantly diverged. As with many old Scottish names, there are likely to be a number of possible origins.

McDuffie: Where does the name McDuffie come from?

The surname McDuffie has Scottish origins and is a derivation from the Gaelic name Mac Dhuibhshíthe, which means "black peace." This name comes from the lands of Duffy in the barony of Farney, which was part of Monaghan county. It belongs to the large category of European surnames that were gradually created from the habitual use of nicknames. These nicknames were given with reference to a variety of personal characteristics, such as physical attributes, habits of dress, and occupation.

Today, the last name McDuffie is most commonly found in the United States. However, it also maintains a significant presence in England, Canada, and Scotland. There are several variations of the name depending on the region, such as McDuffy, McDuff, and Duffie. Despite its Scottish origins, it is less common in Scotland nowadays than in the United States. In America, the name is most prevalent in the states of Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida. However, keep in mind that frequency doesn't imply large numbers as McDuffie holds a ranking of 6,707 on the list of most common surnames in the United States.

Variations of the surname McDuffie

McDuffie is a surname of Scottish origin that has several variant spellings. Its original Gaelic form is Mac Duibhshíthe, which is a compound of the words "Dubh", meaning black, and "síth", meaning peace or fairy. Due to anglicization, variations in pronunciation, and mistranslations, the original spelling evolved into various forms over the centuries.

The most common variants of McDuffie are MacDuffie, McPhee, MacDuff, MacFie, McDuffy, MacPhee, MacPhie, and McDuff. Some less common forms include Macduffy, Macdufy, Mcduffy, McDuffey, Macduffey, and MacPhelemy.

It's important to note that mutations in the prefix are also common, as "Mac" or "Mc" (meaning "son of") can be dropped or replaced, leading to stand-alone surnames like Duffie, Duffy, Duff, and Duffey.

Each variant form can be a surname in its own right, and bearers of these names can often trace their heritage back to the same Scottish roots. These variants arose as family members moved across Scotland and beyond, taking their names with them, yielding to local dialects and spellings changes. The variety of names is a testament to the rich history and far reach of the original Mac Duibhshíthe clan.

Famous people with the name McDuffie

• Robert Rozier McDuffie Sr.: American politician, diplomat and attorney.
• David McMath McDuffie Jr.: United Methodist minister, published author, and academic administrator.
• J. A. McDuffie: American racing driver who competed in stock car racing on the NASCAR circuit in its early years.
• Bill McDuffie: American basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
• Dennis McDuffie: American basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
• Florence McDuffie: track and field athlete who competed in the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
• Stump McDuffie: American jazz trumpet player.
• Jimmy McDuffie: American football player who played tight end in the National Football League (NFL).
• G. Malcolm McDuffie: Professor of Geophysics at the Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics at the University of California, San Diego.
• Lydia McDuffie: American actress best known for her roles in the films The Naked Gun and Blue Streak.

Other surnames

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