Surname MacNoyer - Meaning and Origin
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MacNoyer: What does the surname MacNoyer mean?
The surname MacNoyer is a variant spelling of the popular Scottish and Irish surname MacNaughton, which is derived from an old Gaelic personal name Mac an mhac an’ aoit, meaning “son of the son of the judge.” This surname was often used to describe a judge or a lawyer who was appointed to pass judgement or to adjudicate legal matters.
The MacNoyer spelling of the name is most commonly found in Scotland and Ireland. It can be found primarily in areas such as Ayrshire, Perthshire, Tayside, and Angus. It is believed to have been popularized in the 16th and 17th centuries when many Irish and Scottish families were transplanted here as a result of the Plantations.
The meaning of the MacNoyer surname suggests a dignified history of an esteemed and respected legal or judicial background, which provides an important amount of context about its origins. The history associated with the surname suggests hardworking individuals who dedicated their lives to serving justice and fairness in their communities.
Order DNA origin analysisMacNoyer: Where does the name MacNoyer come from?
The last name MacNoyer is most commonly found today in the United States, particularly in the New England region. It is also a rare but not unheard of name in Canada, specifically the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, as well as Nova Scotia.
It is believed that the last name comes from a northern French region known as Maconois, from which the family of MacNoyer likely moved. As families began to migrate over the centuries, it is likely that they carried the surname with them, resulting in populations of MacNoyers all over the world.
The majority of people with the surname MacNoyer in the United States today are likely descendants of immigrants who arrived during the 17th century. The records show that some families had already made their way to New England by 1650. During the following two centuries, those families spread further south and westward to their current locations throughout the U.S.
The records show that the MacNoyer last name is still quite common in the United States and in Canada, although the population is certainly not as large as it once was. Today it is certainly a rare sight compared to much more common last names, but the surname is still alive and can be found in family tree's all over the world.
Variations of the surname MacNoyer
The surname MacNoyer has a few different variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin.
The primary form of the name is MacNoyer, with other variations such as MacNeur, McNaur, McNoeur and McNuyer. The Gaelic-Irish version of the name is MacNaoire, which is also spelled as MacAnoire, MacNowry and McNowery.
In Scotland, the variation McNory is also seen, and a variant of the name in England is McNoyer. Variations of the pronunciation of the name include McNAY-er, McNOH-yer and MacNAW-er.
The variations of the surname could be due to the fact that the name is of Irish origin. It is believed to originate from a Gaelic surnamethat was Anglicized to MacNoyer when Anglicisation took place in Ireland. The Gaelic name is believed to possibly be of a Norse origin, with the prefix ‘mac’ meaning ‘son of’ and ‘Noyer’ thought to be derived from the personal name Naer.
Though the origin of the name is mostly unknown, it appears to be connected to the ancient family of Hiberno-Norman stock, derives from one who performed the duties of a 'Knight of the City'.
Throughout history, the surname has seen a variety of spellings, and hence, various versions of the name have emerged over time. As a result, MacNoyer, as well as its related variants, spellings and surnames, are still seen in countries around the world.
Famous people with the name MacNoyer
- Davison MacNoyer: Canadian-American actor and director, best known for his multiple appearances in Hallmark productions.
- Bruce MacNoyer: Former American baseball player and manager, known for his managerial career in Major League Baseball.
- David MacNoyer: American game designer and CEO of Studio Minim, an online video game company.
- Bruce MacNoyer Jr.: Son of Bruce MacNoyer and American television producer, best known for his Emmy-nominated work with the Discovery Channel.
- Rupert MacNoyer: British actor and director, best known for his role in the thriller film The Catcher.
- Jermaine MacNoyer: American R&B singer and songwriter, best known for his numerous hits on the US Billboard charts.
- Siobhan MacNoyer: Canadian artist, dancer, and fashion designer best known for her notably androgynous style and genderless pieces.
- Caitlyn MacNoyer: Australian model and actress, best known for her roles in multiple feature films.
- Alice MacNoyer: American filmmaker and human rights activist, best known for her work advocating for the rights of women and children in the developing world.
- Chloe MacNoyer: Canadian visual artist and musician, whose work combines traditional painting styles with digital manipulation.