The surname Meg has multiple possible origins across various cultures and languages. In English, it is a diminutive form of the given name Margaret. This name derives from the Greek Margarita (pearl), which was introduced to England by the Normans in 1066.
In Welsh, the surname Meg may be an Anglicized version of the Welsh surname Mog, a diminutive form of the personal name Mawr meaning 'great.'
In Hebrew, Meg can be derived from the name Micha or Meir, both of which mean "who is like God?"
It's also worth noting that in some cases, surnames may have originated as nicknames, occupations, geographical locations, or even physical characteristics. The specific origin for a particular individual with the surname Meg would depend on their specific family history and cultural background.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Meg
The meaning and origin of the last name Meg
The surname Meg is of Greek origin, derived from the ancient Greek name "Megas," which means "great" or "large." The name was often used as a byname to denote size, strength, or importance. In medieval Greece, it was common for individuals to adopt surnames as a way of distinguishing themselves from others with similar first names. As Greeks migrated and settled in other parts of Europe, particularly during the Middle Ages, they brought their surnames with them, contributing to the diversity of European family names. The surname Meg has various spellings, including Mega, Mégas, Megh, and Meges, depending on the region where it was adopted. Today, the surname is found in countries such as Greece, Cyprus, and other parts of Europe.
Geographical distribution of the last name Meg
The surname Meg is predominantly found in Scandinavia, particularly in Norway and Sweden, where it originated from the Old Norse word "Megi" meaning "mighty." It's also common in Iceland due to historical Viking settlements. The name has also been found in Finland and Denmark, possibly through migration or cultural assimilation. Outside of Scandinavia, the surname Meg is rare but can be found in isolated cases in countries with a significant Scandinavian diaspora such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In these contexts, it may have been Anglicized to forms like "Meggs" or "Megan."
Variants and spellings of the last name Meg
The surname Meg can have various spellings and variants due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, or personal preference. Some common spelling variations of the name Meg include Még, Meig, Meech, Meach, Mayg, Maeg, MacG, McGeagh, MacGee, McGee, MacAig, and McAig. These variations may originate from different geographical locations or time periods, reflecting changes in pronunciation and writing styles over the years. It's important to note that these variations may also be shared with other unrelated surnames, so it is crucial to consider additional context when researching family history or genealogy.
Famous people with the last name Meg
Meg Tilly, a Canadian actress and author, is one of the most notable individuals with the surname Meg. She began her career as a child star, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Against All Odds" (1984). Later, she also gained recognition for her work in films like "The Big Chill" and "Valmont". In addition to acting, Tilly is an accomplished author, penning several novels including "Siberia" and "A Mouthful of Air", both of which were New York Times bestsellers. Another significant figure with the last name Meg is Megan Fox, an American actress known for her roles in blockbuster films such as the Transformers series and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. She started her career with roles on television before transitioning to film. Her provocative image and high-profile relationships have often garnered media attention beyond her acting work.
Genealogical research on the last name Meg
The surname Meg, also spelled Mac, M'Gee, or McGee, is predominantly of Irish and Scottish origin. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Mag Aonghusa or Mag Eoghain, meaning "son of Angus" or "son of Owen." In Ireland, the surname Meg is most commonly found in County Clare, Galway, and Limerick, while in Scotland it is predominant in the Highlands. Notable figures bearing the name include St. Maelrubha (M'Ghee), a 7th-century Scottish missionary, and John J. McGee, an American politician who served as the United States Ambassador to Ireland from 2009 to 2013. The Meg family has also been recognized for their contributions in various fields such as politics, military service, and entertainment.
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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