Surname MacNama - Meaning and Origin
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MacNama: What does the surname MacNama mean?
The surname MacNama is an anglicised form of the Gaelic name “MacNamha” and is derived from the first name “Namha”, which is an old Gaelic personal name meaning 'loved one'. The source of this surname is Scotland, and it was likely brought there by the Normans in the 12th century.
MacNama is an commonly found family name throughout Ireland and Scotland, and is believed to have originated in the Highland region of Scotland. The ‘Mac’ prefix found in this surname reflects the clanship status of its original holders.
The surname ‘MacNama’ is associated with many notable figures, both historically and present day. The Irish political philosopher Eamonn MacNama, was arrested in the 1920s while he was an editor and director of the newspaper the ‘Irish Freedom’. Famous musicians such as American singer-songwriter Chris MacNama and Scottish folk musician John MacNama have also been recognised for their artistry.
In summation, the surname MacNama is a Scottish surname, derived from the Gaelic name “Namha” and it’s believed to have originated in the Highland region of Scotland. Throughout its history, this family name has been associated with a number of notable figures.
Order DNA origin analysisMacNama: Where does the name MacNama come from?
The last name MacNama is an Irish clan name, originating from the ancient province of Ulster in the North of Ireland. It is most commonly found today in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.
The MacNamare's were a powerful clan who held numerous Gaelic Titles in the area. Their stronghold was in the town of Dromore, County Tyrone and the clan was well known for its bravery and loyalty during the 16th century conflicts. The clan was a major force in the battles of Clontibret and O'Neill's march in 1595. St. Macartan, their patron saint, was martyred by the English in the 16th century.
The MacNama surname is still quite common throughout a few small villages in Northern Ireland as well as in Scotland and England. The largest concentrations of the MacNama name in the UK are in Staffordshire and Lancashire.
Whilst the numbers have decreased over the years, MacNama is still an important part of the Irish culture and heritage and is recognized as a distinct Irish family name.
Throughout the world, the MacNama name is quite rare and is mostly found in the UK and Ireland. Those with the surname can trace their roots back to the once powerful Gaelic clan in Ireland and take pride in their heritage.
Variations of the surname MacNama
The surname MacNama has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include MacNamee, MacNeme, McNamee, McNeme, and MacNamey.
MacNamee is the most common spelling of the surname and is particularly prevalent in Northern Ireland. It is derived from the Irish patronymic name Mac an Mháimh, which translates as ‘son of the ancestor’ and is derived from the Gaelic Maeanmháimh. The other variants are derived from the original Irish name, either through alternatives spellings or phonetic interpretations.
MacNamey is a variant of the surname MacNama, and is the name of a small town in County Down in Northern Ireland. The town is thought to have taken its name from the local family of MacNamees, who have been in the area since at least the 16th century.
McNamee and McNeme are variations of the same surname, are also derived from the Irish surname Mac an Mháimh. They are more prevalent in the United States and Canada, where the original Irish pronunciation of the name has been Anglicised and the ‘Mac’ prefix has been dropped.
In summary, the variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for MacNama include MacNamee, MacNeme, McNeme, McNamee, and MacNamey. The variants are derived from the Irish patronymic name Mac an Mháimh and have been anglicised over time in different parts of the world, resulting in alternative spellings and pronunciations.
Famous people with the name MacNama
- Siobhan MacNama: Famous writer and novelist, NYT best selling author in fantasy fiction
- Angus MacNama: Legendary actor and producer, known for his work in Hollywood blockbusters
- Calum MacNama: Music producer and composer, Grammy Award winner
- Hugh MacNama: Professional footballer and Olympic athlete
- Anna MacNama: Dancer and choreographer, five-time Tony award winner
- Finn MacNama: World-renowned chef and restaurateur, Michelin star winner
- Jen MacNama: World-class painter and sculptor, numerous awards from the art world
- Demi MacNama: Award-winning singer and songwriter, five Grammy Awards
- Raef MacNama: Renowned film director, two Academy Award nominations
- Bridget MacNama: International journalist and editor, Pulitzer Prize winner