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Last Name Agee

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What is the origin of the last name Agee?

The last name "Agee" is of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English personal name "Aggi," which was a shortened form of various Germanic compound names beginning with "ag(i)-" meaning "edge" or "sword." The name was introduced to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Over time, "Aggi" evolved into different spellings, including Agee. It is a relatively uncommon surname that can be found primarily in the United States and United Kingdom.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Agee

The surname Agee is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic phrase "MacAoidh," meaning "son of Aodh." Aodh was a popular personal name in early Scotland and Ireland, derived from the Celtic god Aodh, associated with fire and sun. Over time, MacAoidh evolved into MacAoidhe, which eventually became Agee.

The surname Agee is primarily found in Scotland and the United States, particularly in the southern states like Alabama, Virginia, and Tennessee. Scottish migration to America during the 18th and 19th centuries contributed to the dispersal of the Agee name. Many Scots who adopted the Anglicized version of their Gaelic names to assimilate better into American society might have changed MacAoidh to Agee. By doing so, they allowed their descendants to retain a connection to their Scottish roots while adapting to the linguistic and social practices of their new home. Today, Agee is a relatively uncommon surname, but it continues to carry the historical heritage of the Scottish clans who bore it.

Geographical distribution of the last name Agee

The last name Agee has a relatively low geographical distribution, primarily found in the United States. It is not as common as some other surnames, but it still has pockets of concentration in certain regions. The highest concentration of individuals with the last name Agee can be found in the southeastern states, particularly in Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. These states have a historical connection to the Agee family, with many individuals tracing their ancestry back to this region. However, Agee can also be found in other parts of the country, such as Texas, California, and Illinois, albeit with a much lower frequency. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Agee is mostly limited to the United States, with a higher concentration in the southeastern states and smaller pockets in other regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Agee

The last name Agee has various spellings and variations, reflecting the diverse ways it has been recorded over time. Some common variations include Agée, Agey, Agye, and Agy. These alternate spellings often stemmed from different phonetic interpretations of the name or from regional accents. In some cases, the spelling of Agee was influenced by other languages or cultures. For instance, the French variation, Agée, reflects the incorporation of a diacritic mark. Other variations, such as Agey or Agye, could have resulted from mistakes made during record-keeping or the transcription of oral accounts. These different spellings and variations demonstrate the fluidity and adaptability of surnames throughout history. Despite these differences, all these variations ultimately originate from the same core name, Agee, which remains a part of an individual's heritage and identity.

Famous people with the last name Agee

One notable figure with the last name Agee is James Agee (1909-1955), an American writer and journalist. He gained recognition for his groundbreaking non-fiction book "Let Us Now Praise Famous Men" (1941), which examined the lives of impoverished sharecroppers during the Great Depression. Agee was also known for his screenplay for the film "The African Queen" (1951), directed by John Huston and starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. He co-wrote the screenplay for "The Night of the Hunter" (1955), a film regarded as a classic of American cinema. Agee's works displayed a deep humanistic approach and a lyrical writing style that have made him an influential figure in the world of literature and film, even after his untimely death at the age of 45.

Genealogical research on the last name Agee

The surname Agee has its roots in France, originating from the Old French word "agié," meaning "aged" or "matured." The Agee family is believed to have migrated to America during the 17th century, settling primarily in Virginia. One notable early immigrant was Pierre Agé, who arrived in Virginia around 1650. Over time, variations of the surname emerged, including Age, Agg, Aggie, and Agy. Genealogical research reveals that the Agee family expanded and spread throughout the United States, with significant concentrations in states such as Tennessee, Kentucky, and Texas. Prominent individuals bearing the Agee name have made significant contributions in various fields, including literature, education, and the arts. Notable examples include American writer James Agee and photographer Letitia Woods Brown. With its rich history and widespread presence, the Agee surname continues to be cherished within numerous families today.

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NomOrigine Team
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NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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