Last Name Mcgehee

The last name "McGehee" has Irish origins. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname Mac Gaoithín, which translates to "son of Gaoithín." The Gaelic word "gaoth" means "wind," and the name Gaoithín is derived from it. The McGehee surname is primarily associated with County Cork in Ireland. Over time, some bearers of the surname migrated to other countries, including the United States, where it is still found today.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mcgehee

The meaning and origin of the last name Mcgehee

The surname McGehee is of Scottish and Irish Gaelic origin. It is a variant spelling of the name MacGee, which comes from the Gaelic "Mac Aodha," meaning "son of Aodh." Aodh is a Gaelic name that signifies "fire" or "brightness." The prefix "Mac" indicates "son of." The name was first found in Scotland, particularly in the region of Galloway. The McGehee surname was later brought to Ireland, where it gained prominence and popularity. Many Irish families with this surname can trace their roots back to the western county of Clare, as well as other areas in Ireland. Over time, members of the McGehee family migrated to various parts of the world, including the United States, where the surname has preserved its spelling, pronunciation, and lineage. Today, individuals with the surname McGehee can be found worldwide, carrying with them a rich ancestry and heritage deeply rooted in Scottish and Irish history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mcgehee

The last name McGehee is primarily found in the United States, particularly in the southern states. The state with the highest concentration of McGehee surname is Mississippi, where the name is most dense. It is also fairly common in neighboring states such as Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas. The name has its origins in Scotland and Ireland, so it is not surprising that it has a notable presence in areas with a significant Scottish or Irish population. However, it is important to note that McGehee is not a widely dispersed surname globally. While there may be individuals or families with the McGehee name living in other parts of the world, it is most prevalent in the southern United States, where it has likely been passed down for generations from the original European immigrants who carried the name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mcgehee

The last name McGehee has several variations and spellings that have evolved over time. These variations include McGehe, McGea, MacGee, Maghee, and MacGeachey, among others. These different forms of the surname can be attributed to factors such as regional accents, migrations, and changes in spelling practices. The surname McGehee is primarily of Irish origin, with the prefix "Mac" meaning "son of" in Gaelic. It is believed to have originated from the Irish Gaelic name Mac Aodha, meaning "son of Aodh." Over the years, as families migrated and settled in different regions, variations in pronunciation and spelling emerged, resulting in the diverse range of spellings seen today. Despite the various forms of the name, they all share a common ancestry and retain the Irish roots of the McGehee surname.

Famous people with the last name Mcgehee

While there are several notable individuals with the last name "McGehee," one of the most prominent figures is Max McGehee, an American filmmaker and screenwriter. Max McGehee is known for his work as a writer and producer, with notable credits including the critically acclaimed film "The Kings of Summer" (2013). His storytelling skills and creativity have earned him recognition in the film industry, making him a highly influential personality among aspiring filmmakers. Furthermore, Max McGehee has collaborated with other renowned filmmakers, further solidifying his position in the industry. His dedication and passion for storytelling have enabled him to leave a lasting impact on the world of film, inspiring many other individuals to pursue their dreams in this artistic field.

Genealogical research on the last name Mcgehee

The research on the last name McGehee reveals an intriguing genealogical history. The surname McGehee is mainly of Scottish origin and is believed to have originated from the Gaelic name "MacGaoithín," meaning "son of Gaothín." The MacGaoithín clan was originally located in the Scottish Highlands and later migrated to Ireland. Over time, some members of the clan moved to the United States, particularly settling in the southern states. The earliest recorded presence of the McGehee surname in America dates back to the 17th century, with Richard McGehee being the first known individual to bear the name. Since then, McGehee descendants have spread across various states, including Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana. The McGehee family history is further enriched by notable figures who have contributed to various fields, such as education, law, and literature. Today, the surname McGehee continues to thrive, connecting generations and preserving a legacy rooted in Scottish and Irish heritage.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mcgehee"
• 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

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