Last Name Mackey

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mackey

The meaning and origin of the last name Mackey

The surname Mackey has both Irish and Scottish origins. In Irish, the name is derived from the Gaelic surname Mac Aodha meaning "son of Aodh," with Aodh being a common Irish personal name meaning "fire" or "sunshine." The Scottish variation of the name is derived from the Gaelic MacAoidh, also meaning "son of Aodh." The name Aodh was of great significance in both Celtic cultures, often associated with mythical and legendary figures. Over time, the surname Mac Aodha or MacAoidh evolved into Mackay or Mackey, as it became anglicized. As with many surnames, variations in spelling and pronunciation often occurred as families moved and languages changed. Today, the surname Mackey can be found worldwide, particularly in countries that have historical connections to Ireland and Scotland. It serves as a reminder of an individual's Celtic heritage and connection to the ancient name Aodh.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mackey

The last name Mackey is primarily of Irish origin and is commonly found among individuals with Irish ancestry. The geographical distribution of the surname is mainly concentrated in Ireland, with a significant number of individuals bearing the name residing in Northern Ireland. In addition to Ireland, Mackey can also be found in various other English-speaking countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia, mostly due to migration patterns from Ireland over the centuries. In the United States, Mackey is most prevalent in states with historically high Irish immigration, such as New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. Furthermore, due to globalization and migration, it is possible to encounter individuals with the last name Mackey in other parts of the world as well, but at a lower frequency compared to their Irish and diasporic communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mackey

The last name Mackey can have various iterations and spellings, adding diversity to its origin. One variant is McKey, which emphasizes the Scottish roots of the name, reflecting the practice of adding Mc or Mac as a prefix to signify "son of" in Gaelic. Another variation is McKay, which maintains the same concept but includes the additional letter "a". This spelling variation could be an adaptation resulting from different dialects or regional accents. Other spelling variations include MacKey, MaKay, Mackie, and MaKey. These variations might have emerged due to individual family preferences, phonetic differences across different regions, or even clerical errors when recording names. It is worth noting that with the advent of anglicization and migration, certain families with the Mackey surname may have chosen to alter it to suit the phonetics of a new language or culture, resulting in spellings like Mackeigh or Mackiegh. Despite these numerous variations, the shared heritage of individuals bearing the last name Mackey can be appreciated regardless of the specific spelling they use.

Famous people with the last name Mackey

There are several famous individuals with the last name Mackey who have made notable contributions in different fields. One such notable personality is Shannon Lucid Mackey, an accomplished American astronaut who holds the record for the most time spent in space by a woman. As a veteran of five spaceflights, she played a crucial role in advancing space exploration and research. Another prominent figure is John Mackey, a renowned American businessman and co-founder of Whole Foods Market. His visionary leadership and dedication towards promoting organic and sustainable food revolutionized the grocery industry. Additionally, Elisabeth Mackey, a talented American actress, has made a name for herself in both theater and television, with noteworthy performances across various productions. These individuals with the last name Mackey have left an indelible impact in their respective fields, cementing their legacies as influential and celebrated figures.

Genealogical research on the last name Mackey

The last name Mackey is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic surname Mac Aoidh, meaning "son of Aodh." Aodh, in turn, is derived from the Gaelic word meaning "fire" or "fiery." The Mackey family can trace their lineage back to the ancient clan system of Scotland, where they were associated with the region of Lochaber. It was common during ancient times for surnames to evolve and change due to various factors such as migration, marriage, and adoption. The Mackey surname eventually made its way to Ireland, where it also became established. Over time, descendants of the Mackey clan migrated to different parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Today, individuals bearing the last name Mackey can be found in various countries, each carrying a rich heritage with a connection to their Scottish and Irish roots. Genealogical research on the Mackey surname can provide valuable insights into a family's history and ancestral ties.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mackey"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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.
Last updated : 11 April 2025