The surname McPeak is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic Mac Pheadair, meaning "son of Peter." The name likely originated from the personal name "Peter," which was a common given name among early Scottish and Irish Christians.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Mc peak
The meaning and origin of the last name Mc peak
The surname McPeak is of Scottish and Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Mac an Pheacaich" which means "son of the sinner." The name likely originated as a nickname for someone with a rebellious or mischievous nature. The McPeak surname is common among people of Scottish and Irish descent, particularly in the counties of Donegal and Antrim. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have led to different forms of the surname, such as MacPeake, McPeake, and MacaPeak. Today, individuals with the surname McPeak can be found in various parts of the world, especially in English-speaking countries with a history of Scotch-Irish immigration, such as the United States and Canada.
Geographical distribution of the last name Mc peak
The last name McPeak is mainly found in the United States, particularly in the states of West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee. These states have historically been some of the primary areas of settlement for individuals with Irish and Scottish ancestry, from which the surname likely originates. There are also smaller populations of individuals with the McPeak surname in Ireland and the United Kingdom, reflecting the migration patterns of individuals from these regions to America. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name McPeak predominantly centers around the southeastern region of the United States, with some presence in countries with historical ties to Ireland and Scotland.
Variants and spellings of the last name Mc peak
The variations and spellings of the last name McPeak include McPeek, MacPeak, MacPeek, M’Peak, M’Peek, Macpeek, Mckpeek, MacPike, and MacPick. These variations may be the result of different regional accents, dialects, or historical changes in surname spellings. It is common for surnames to have multiple spellings due to factors such as immigration, phonetic differences, and evolving language conventions. Despite the various spellings, individuals with these variations of the last name McPeak may still be part of the same family lineage or have similar ancestry.
Famous people with the last name Mc peak
Some of the most famous individuals with the last name McPeak include retired United States Air Force General Merrill McPeak, who served as the Chief of Staff of the Air Force during the early 1990s. Another notable McPeak is actress Kathleen "Kathy" McPeak, known for her roles in popular television shows such as "CSI: Miami" and "Grey's Anatomy." Additionally, author and historian Peter McPeak has gained recognition for his works on American military history and biographies of prominent figures. These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields and have helped bring the McPeak name into the spotlight.
Genealogical research on the last name Mc peak
The McPeak surname is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name Mac Páidín which translates to 'son of Páidín'. The McPeak family can be traced back to County Tyrone in Northern Ireland, where they were predominantly found. Records show that the McPeak name was first documented in the 17th century in Ulster. The McPeak family likely originated as part of the larger O'Neill clan, which held significant power and influence in the region. Over time, members of the McPeak family migrated to other parts of Ireland and eventually to other countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. Today, individuals with the McPeak surname can be found around the world, with a strong presence in their ancestral homeland of Ireland.
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