Surname MacNeive - Meaning and Origin
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MacNeive: What does the surname MacNeive mean?
The last name MacNeive is a Scottish surname meaning "son of Niall" in Gaelic. Niall was a popular first name in Ireland for centuries, and is still used today. This surname is derived from the Gaelic "Mac Néill", which translates literally as "son of Niall".
It is estimated that there are around 10,500 individuals bearing this surname in Scotland, making it one of the most common surnames in the country. The MacNeive family found its home in the Argyll district, where the clan was subdivided into three smaller clans. As the surname became established in Scotland, it slowly spread to other parts of the British Isles, with further reach being established with time.
The MacNeives were a warrior clan who defended Scotland against foreign invaders. They were active in the Scottish rebellion against England in the 17th and 18th centuries. They were also known for being loyal to the royal family of Scotland, and served as soldiers in the wars against England.
The MacNeives were also successful shipbuilders and merchants, operating out of the ports with their ships. They also had successful business dealings in trading and had strong relationships with other clans in Scotland.
The MacNeive clan has maintained a presence in Scotland over centuries, and has become a major part of the culture and history of Scotland. As the name continues to spread across the globe, the proud MacNeive legacy continues to live on.
Order DNA origin analysisMacNeive: Where does the name MacNeive come from?
The last name MacNeive is primarily found in Ireland. MacNeive is a variant spelling of the noble Irish surname McNeive, which is derived from the Gaelic Mac an Mhíobhaigh, which means "son of the nobleman". This surname arose in counties Mayo, Sligo and Limerick, and quickly spread to nearby counties.
Today, the MacNeive surname is still common in Ireland, but many people bearing this name has emigrated around the world. In the United States, it can be found in small numbers in areas with strong Irish connections, such as Massachusetts and New York. Canada is also home to some MacNeives, particularly in the provinces of Ontario and Nova Scotia.
In other parts of the world, the MacNeive name can be found in Scotland, England, Australia, New Zealand, and the Caribbean.
Although the MacNeive surname is not as common now outside of Ireland, its popularity is still evident. Today, people who bear the MacNeive name still share many Irish characteristics, such as strong family values and pride in their heritage.
Variations of the surname MacNeive
MacNeive is a Clan surname of Irish and Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic form of the personal name 'Mac an Eich or 'Mac an Eaghaidh' which translates to 'son of the Horse'.
Variants and spellings of the surname MacNeive are MacNeave, MacNeav, MacNeeve, MacNeev, MacNieve, MacNeavie, McNive, McNeave, McNeav, McNeev, McNeeve, and MacNeevy.
The Clan MacNeive is located in different parts of Ireland and Scotland. The name is most common in County Donegal, in the north of Ireland, and on the Isle of Skye in the Scottish Highlands.
The variant surnames which are similar to MacNeive are McNeice, MacNeish, McAuliffe, O'Eighter, and MacEigh. MacNeish is derived from the Gaelic form of 'Mac an Ais', which means 'son of the flood'. McAuliffe is derived from the Irish Gaelic surname Ó Mathghamhna, which means 'son of the Bear' or 'descendant from Mathghamhain', a Bear hero of Ancient Ireland. O'Eighter and MacEigh are derived from the Gaelic form of 'Mac an Fhithich' which translates to 'son of the Raven.'
The most common variants depending on the location are MacNeive in Northern Ireland, MacNeish in Scotland, and MacEigh, McAuliffe and O'Eighter in Southern Ireland.
Famous people with the name MacNeive
- Catriona Macneive: Actress, known for High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
- Luke Macneive: Visual Effects Artist for films like Maze Runner: The Death Cure, Abominable, and Ralph Breaks the Internet.
- Colin Macneive: Musician with the punk group The Undertones.
- Alan Macneive: Scottish Poet and Editor.
- Neil Macneive: Logistics Director and Expert.
- Douglas Macneive: Chefe de Administracão in Sevilha, Portugal.
- Rob Macneive: Guest composer and arranger for the band Phish.
- Alan MacNeive: TV editor in Ireland.
- Andrew Macneive: Visual effects supervisor on the series Stargate Universe.
- Arthur Macneive: Author of several books about Scottish and Irish History and Literature.