Surname MacNeice - Meaning and Origin
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MacNeice: What does the surname MacNeice mean?
The surname MacNeice is a derivative of the Irish Gaelic name Mac Nioc, which translates to “son of Nioc”. Nioc can be derived from the Irish word for “cloud”, so the name literally means “son of the cloud”. The surname MacNeice is thought to have originated within the Province of Ulster in the North of Ireland.
The MacNeices were first recorded in the Annals in 1172 and were originally part of the Irish Nobility. They are believed to have descended from a powerful Scottish clan, the McKnights. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the MacNeices, like many other Irish families, faced persecution and oppression when Oliver Cromwell invaded and sought to eradicate Catholicism within the country.
Despite such challenges, many members of the MacNeice family have gone on to make their mark in the world. During the 19th century, a number of members became influential politicians, landowners, judges, and writers.
Today, the surname MacNeice is still common within the Province of Ulster, although it can be found in other parts of Ireland and the rest of the world. This is the result of many members of the clan leaving their homeland for Great Britain, the United States, and Canada throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisMacNeice: Where does the name MacNeice come from?
The last name MacNeice is commonly found today in the British Isles. It is a Scottish and Irish name that originates from the Gaelic Mac an Eich, which means "son of the steed". While it is most commonly associated with Scotland, it is also found in Ireland and England.
MacNeice is a relatively rare name, and the majority of those who carry it are located in northern Scotland, especially the Highland and Western Isles regions. It can also be found in Ireland, where it sometimes takes the spelling MacNeish or McNeice. In recent years, the name has been found more frequently outside the traditional territory where it has been known to be concentrated, with more MacNeices now living in other parts of the United Kingdom, as well as in Europe, the United States, and even Australia and New Zealand.
The MacNeice surname is associated with Clan MacNeill, a diverse group with several different branches in Scotland. It is a Sept of Clan Donald, and is also related to the Siol Gillevray branch of the family. As a result, there are also many variants of the MacNeill name, which are often seen in the form of MacNaughton, McIndoe, MacKenzie, and McNeice.
MacNeice is a unique surname, and its spread beyond its traditional home has provided a glimpse into the rich cultural and social history of the British Isles, and the movement of families during different ages.
Variations of the surname MacNeice
The surname MacNeice has a few variants, spellings, and related surnames. The original surname, which has roots in Scottish and Irish noble clans, is spelt MacNeice. It can also be spelt MacNiece or MacNieces.
In Ireland, some of the names that are related to MacNeice are MacNiesh, MacNish, and MacKneesh. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, those related names also include MacNish, MacKneesh, and MacNeish.
The spelling variations of MacNeice can found in the forms Macneash, Macneesh, Macnees, Macneesh, Macneigh, McNiece, McNish, McNeesh, McNisht, McNieich, and McNich.
Other variants and spellings of MacNeice include MacNyece, MacNace, McNeese, McNeish, and McNayce.
In the United Kingdom, MacNeice can also be found with the spelling MacAnece and is based on the Middle English Maccomb ancestor of MacNeice.
To sum up, MacNeice is derived from ancient Scottish and Irish noble clans and has many variants, spellings, and related surnames, including MacNish, MacKneesh, McNish, McNesh, MacNace, and MacAnece.
Famous people with the name MacNeice
- Louis MacNeice: British poet, playwright, and translator.
- Felix MacNeice: English actor, director, and screenwriter.
- Frederick MacNeice: English actor, singer, and songwriter.
- Tamarin MacNeice: Canadian musician, singer-songwriter, actress, and activist.
- Lach MacNeice: Canadian musician, author, and television personality.
- Alexander MacNeice: Scottish geologist, philosopher, and philosopher of science.
- Brian MacNeice: Irish rower and Olympic gold medalist.
- Alexandra MacNeice: British philosopher and teacher.
- Martin MacNeice: Scottish poet, novelist, playwright, and classical scholar.
- Calum MacNeice: British acoustic guitarist and composer.