What is the origin of the last name Magee?
Countries of origin for the last name Magee
The last name MAGEE holds a rich historical significance and is intertwined with various cultures and regions. Derived from the Irish name MacAoidh, its meaning can be traced back to ancient Gaelic origins.
The name MAGEE is believed to derive from the personal name Aodh, which means “fire” or “radiance” in Gaelic. This association with fire may denote qualities such as passion, determination, and ambition within individuals carrying this surname.
Throughout history, the MAGEE name has undergone transformations and spellings variations. It is important to acknowledge that the study of surnames is multifaceted, and precise linguistic connections can be difficult to establish with absolute certainty.
Within the United States, the MAGEE surname has been adopted by a diverse range of individuals and families, contributing to the multicultural fabric of the nation. This widespread distribution may be attributed to various factors like migration, settlement patterns, and assimilation into American society.
As with many surnames, the etymology and history of MAGEE reveal tantalizing possibilities and unanswered questions. Further research and exploration into specific lineages and genealogical connections hold the potential to uncover additional insights and narratives linked to this intriguing surname.
Interesting facts about the last name Magee
- The surname Magee is derived from the Irish name Mag Aoidh, which means “son of Aodh.” Aodh is a given name that translates to “fire” in English.
- The Magee surname is predominantly of Irish origin, and it is particularly common in Ulster, the northern province of Ireland.
- Several different spellings of the surname can be found, including Magee, Magey, McGee, and McGehee.
- The name Magee is believed to have originated from the Mac Aodha clan, one of the early septs of County Donegal in Ireland.
- During the Irish Potato Famine of the mid-19th century, many Magees emigrated from Ireland to the United States and Canada in search of better opportunities.
- Notable individuals with the Magee surname include Frank Magee, a Philadelphia journalist who gained fame for his coverage of the Spanish-American War, and David Dunbar Buick, whose second wife’s maiden name was Magee. Buick was the founder of the Buick Motor Company.
- The Magee surname can also be found in other parts of the world, such as Scotland, England, and Australia, often as a result of Irish migration.
- Magee is a relatively rare surname, ranking as the 2,976th most common surname in the United States according to the 2000 census.
Name Rank
#1269
There are around 27720 people with the last name Magee in the US