Last Name Maxcy

The surname Maxcy is of English origin and is a variant of the name Massey or Massy. It's derived from a nickname for someone who was a worker at a mill or someone who lived near a mill. The name comes from the Old French word "maisi" meaning "millet", which was used to refer to small mills. Over time, the spelling evolved into various forms, including Maxcy, Massey, and Massy. This surname is most common in England and America.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Maxcy

The meaning and origin of the last name Maxcy

The surname Maxcy is an Anglo-Saxon name of Old English origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name "Maxian," which was composed of the elements "maxti" (great) and "gewin" (friend). Over time, it evolved into various forms such as Massey, Massie, and Maxcy. The name may have been originally given to a person who was considered great or powerful among friends. The surname Maxcy is primarily found in the United States, where it has been traced back to early settlers who arrived from England during the colonial period. Notable individuals with the surname Maxcy include Edward Maxcy, an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War, and John Maxcy, a colonel who served as the last royal governor of South Carolina before it seceded from the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maxcy

The surname Maxcy is predominantly found in the United States, particularly in the northeastern states such as Maine, Massachusetts, and New York. It is also present to a lesser extent in other regions of the U.S., reflecting historical migration patterns. Its origins can be traced back to England, specifically the counties of Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, where the name was initially derived from places named Maxey or Massey. The name's spread to America likely occurred during the colonial period through English settlers. Additionally, there are a few instances of the surname Maxcy in other countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, which may be attributed to emigration from the U.S. over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maxcy

The surname Maxcy, also spelled as Maxcey, Maxsey, Maxee, and Maxy, is an English variant originating from local place names meaning "Maxey" or "Measey," which are derived from Old English elements "max" (meadow) and "ege" (island or enclosure). Variations in spelling may have arisen due to phonetic changes over time, regional dialects, or personal preferences. Notable individuals bearing this name include American politician John Maxcy and Canadian-American actor Jonathan Maxwell.

Famous people with the last name Maxcy

Notable individuals bearing the surname Maxcy include:

1. John Maxcy (1752-1816): An American Revolutionary War officer who served as an aide to General Horatio Gates and later became the first Governor of Alabama Territory.

2. Thomas S. Maxcy (1789-1843): A U.S. Army officer and a prominent figure in the early history of Missouri, he served as its Adjutant General during the War of 1812 and was the fourth Governor of Missouri.

3. James I. Maxcy (1806-1874): A lawyer and politician who represented South Carolina's 5th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1849 to 1851, before serving as a Brigadier General in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War.

4. Maxcy Gregg (1820-1864): A career U.S. Army officer who fought in the Mexican-American War and became a prominent figure in South Carolina before joining the Confederacy as a brigadier general during the Civil War, where he was killed in action at the Battle of Chickamauga.

5. John S. Maxcy (1823-1897): A lawyer and politician who represented Mississippi's 4th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1861 to 1863, he was later appointed as a judge for the Mississippi Court of Appeals and served as the 23rd Governor of Mississippi from 1875 to 1876.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, law, and military service throughout American history.

Genealogical research on the last name Maxcy

The Maxcy surname is of English origin and is believed to be derived from a place name "Maxey" in Rutland, Lincolnshire, or from Maxey in Northamptonshire, both in England. The earliest known record of the family was Robert de Maxey, who lived during the 13th century. The family migrated to America with John Maxcy, who settled in Salem, Massachusetts, in the early 17th century. One of his descendants, General Richard Maxcy, served as governor of Connecticut and Delaware. Another notable member of the family is Benjamin Maxcy, who was a U.S. Congressman from Maryland. The Maxcy family has branches throughout the United States, particularly in New England and the Mid-Atlantic states. Notable families among the Maxcys include the Massachusetts Maxcys, the Rhode Island Maxcys, and the Delaware Maxcys.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

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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.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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