Surname MacNey - Meaning and Origin
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MacNey: What does the surname MacNey mean?
The surname MacNey is believed to originate from the Irish Mac an Oig, which means "son of the youth". It is believed to have been a descriptive name of an ancestor or clan chief. The name was likely given to men of note and stature at the time and as such, implied a feeling of power and prestige.
Given the Irish origin of the surname, it is possible that the MacNey family name was derived from a Gaelic form of the name, possibly Mac an Oige or Mac an Eich. Many variations of the surname exist, including MacAne, MacAcoy, MacNish, MacNeye, MacOnay and MacKnee.
The MacNey surname has long been associated with the Irish nobility. During the Middle Ages, the MacNey clan was granted extensive lands throughout Ulster. The MacNey family also held positions of status in the noble and political spheres, including the titles of Lord MacNey of Bradock in Scotland and Baron MacNey of Iser in Ireland.
The MacNey family was also notable for its association with a number of celebrated Irish figures, such as Robert MacNey, the third Earl of Antrim and the pioneer of Ulster's linen industry, and Colonel Thomas MacNey, noted for his part in quashing the Irish Rebellion of 1798.
The surname MacNey is reflective of a long and distinguished history, embodying a legacy of honour and status within Irish and British society.
Order DNA origin analysisMacNey: Where does the name MacNey come from?
The last name MacNey is most commonly found in Scotland, especially in the area of Aberdeenshire. The earliest mentions of MacNey come from the Kildonan region of Sutherland in the north Highlands of Scotland, where it is believed to have originated. According to some sources, the name is derived from Mac Eoghain, which in Gaelic means ‘son of Eoghain’.
The MacNey name is still common in Scotland today as many of the families who first adopted it still live in the Aberdeenshire area. The MacNey’s of Kildonan have a very large presence in Scotland, extending from Aberdeen to the Sutherland Highlands. They have a distinct association with the fishing industry, and there are many businesses in Aberdeenshire with the MacNey name.
The last name MacNey is not limited to Scotland, however. It can also be found in England, Ireland, and the United States. In the United States, MacNeys can be found in Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio and other parts of the east coast. In addition, some people with the MacNey name have migrated to Canada, Australia, and other parts of the world.
All in all, the last name MacNey is still relatively common today, mostly among those who have historic ties to the Gaelic-speaking areas of Scotland. It can be found across the United Kingdom, the United States, and other nations.
Variations of the surname MacNey
The surname MacNey is a common variant of McNey, McKenna, and MacKenna. It is a Scottish surname, derived from the Gaelic name Mac Néill. It is derived of the Gaelic surname of Mac Néill, which is derived from the Gaelic first name Niall, meaning champion.
McNey is the Gaelic form of the surname. It is derived from the Gaelic Mac Néill, which is composed of the Gaelic prefix mac and Néill, meaning “son of Neill.” It’s a frequent surname in Scotland and Ireland, and is also popular in the United States.
The surname McKenna is an Anglicized version of Mac Néill. It’s also derived from the Gaelic Mac Néill, but is derived from the Anglicized form of the Gaelic name. Like McNey, it is also a popular surname in Scotland, Ireland, and the United States.
MacKenna is another variant of Mac Néill. It is a modern Anglicized version of the Gaelic Mac Néill, and is popular in Scotland, Ireland, and the United States.
Overall, the surname MacNey is a variant of McNey, McKenna, and MacKenna, which are all derived from the Gaelic Mac Néill. It is derived from the Gaelic first name Niall, and is popular in Scotland, Ireland, and the United States.
Famous people with the name MacNey
- Cameron MacNey: American entrepreneur who's best known as the co-founder of Brightroll, a digital advertising company.
- Chris MacNey: An American actor, producer, writer, and director. He is best known for starring in the film The Purge and for his roles in numerous television series.
- Connor MacNey: An American basketball player who currently plays for the Miami Heat in the NBA.
- Hugh MacNey: A Canadian professional hockey player who played in the NHL for the Montreal Canadiens during the early 1970s.
- Parker MacNey: A former professional hockey player who played in the NHL with the Phoenix Coyotes during the mid-2000s.
- Paul MacNey: An American novelist, playwright, journalist, and screenwriter. He is best known for his works such as The Great Gatsby and This Side of Paradise.
- Pierre MacNey: A French politician and diplomat who served as a Member of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2009.
- Richard MacNey: An American banker and businessman, and the chairman and CEO of the Bank of America.
- Scott MacNey: An American actor, comedian, and writer. He is best known for his roles in films such as My Best Friend's Wedding and Superbad.
- Tim MacNey: A former professional hockey player who played in the NHL with the Vancouver Canucks during the late 1980s.