Surname MacCassidy - Meaning and Origin

MacCassidy: What does the surname MacCassidy mean?

The surname MacCassidy is of Irish origin and it originates from the Gaelic Mac Asidh, which translates to "son of Asidh". The component "Asidh" is thought to derive from "Aes Sidhe", a term referring to supernatural beings in Irish and Scottish mythology. Overall, the surname implies a lineage or coloration to these supernatural mythological entities. However, it is common for Irish and Scottish surnames to refer to son of or descendant of an important clan or family. Therefore, someone with the last name MacCassidy would be known to come from a family with important historical and mythological connections in the past. As with all surnames, it's important to note meanings can vary and may not portray the actual history or lineage of a specific individual bearing this last name.

MacCassidy: Where does the name MacCassidy come from?

The last name MacCassidy originates from Ireland and is derived from the Gaelic Mac Óisdealbhaigh. However, it has been Anglicized to MacCassidy and even other versions like Cassidy. During the Middle Ages, the MacCassidys were a powerful family involved in ecclesiastical matters in Fermanagh, a region that now lies in Northern Ireland.

The surname experienced widespread dispersion during the 19th century's Great Famine in Ireland, resulting in its presence in various countries around the world as Irish individuals and families migrated in search of a better life. This dispersion makes it relatively difficult to determine where it is specifically common today. Nevertheless, one would expect to find bearers of the last name MacCassidy in places such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom due to the historical Irish diaspora. It is also still present in Ireland, particularly in the Northern and border regions where the MacCassidy clan originally held power.

Variations of the surname MacCassidy

The surname MacCassidy belongs to Irish origin and has various spellings and variants over the years due to different regional dialects, pronunciation, and Anglicization. Some of the common variants and spellings include Cassidy, Cassady, Cassiday, Cassedy, Casiday, Casidy, McCassidy, Kassidy, Kassady, M'Cassedy, O’Cassidy, Ó Caiside, Casaide, and Caiside.

The surname Cassidy’s Irish form, Ó Caiside, is derived from the word "caiside" meaning "curly haired." The Cassidys were a professional learned family and belonged to the county of Fermanagh in Ireland.

The prefix ‘Mac’ or ‘Mc’ in the name signifies 'son of.' Hence MacCassidy would mean 'son of Cassidy.’ These prefixes were frequently dropped or added due to Anglicization, hence you might also find Cassidy as a common variant.

Similar surnames of the same origin encompass those denoting physical attributes or professional roles; examples include O’Carroll meaning "loving person", O’Connor meaning "lover of hounds", and O’Neill meaning "from the champion."

Famous people with the name MacCassidy

• John MacCassidy: American film and television actor
• Siobhan MacCassidy: Irish-American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist
• John MacCassidy, Jr.: American actor, director, and writer
• Kenley MacCassidy: English actress
• Dominic MacCassidy: Scottish actor
• Neal MacCassidy: American television actor and stuntman
• Sophia MacCassidy: American singer-songwriter, pianist, and actress
• Sandy MacCassidy: American singer and actor 9.Tommy MacCassidy: Canadian actor
• Michael MacCassidy: American actor

Other surnames

MacCassity