Surname MacNabb - Meaning and Origin
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MacNabb: What does the surname MacNabb mean?
The surname MacNabb originated from the Scottish Gaelic Mac an Aba, meaning "son of the abbot". This surname likely began as an occupational surname for someone employed by an abbot, either as a servant or in some other capacity.
The earliest record of the name MacNabb dates back to the early 13th century when Sir Gillereol MacNabb witnessed a charter by King John of Scotland at Scone that was dated 1203. Through the centuries, the descendants of this MacNabb family took residence in several of the counties of Scotland, including Sutherland, the Orkney Islands, and Lanarkshire.
The MacNabb clan played an active part in the Jacobite Risings—the clansmen were in support of the House of Stuart and the cause of the Scottish people. After Charles Edward Stuart's retreat to France in 1746, many of the MacNabb clan left Scotland for America.
Today, the MacNabb surname is prominent in many countries, with Americans particularly prominent in many states. The clan has also spread to other parts of the world, including Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
The clan motto, "Touch not the cat but a glove", is a call from generations past for all who bear this proud Scottish surname to continue in their loyalty to their family, their heritage, and the proud Scots who have come before them.
Order DNA origin analysisMacNabb: Where does the name MacNabb come from?
The last name MacNabb is most commonly found today in Scotland and parts of Northern England. Records show that the surname has been in existence in these regions since the 12th century. The spelling has changed over time from McKaynabbe to MacNabb.
The MacNabb surname has a rich history in Scotland and England. The word 'Nabbe' which is part of the surname is believed to have come from the Gaelic word naomh, meaning saint. This suggests that this family was once associated with the church, and with the “Old Scoto-Irish” Gaels, the people of Scotland and Ireland before they were unified.
The MacNabb family has left a lasting mark on the culture of Scotland and England. A notable member of the family was Sir William MacNabb, a Scottish knight who fought against the English at Bannockburn in 1314. The MacNabb Tartan is also associated with the family and bears their crest and colors.
Today, MacNabb is still a very common Scottish surname. It can be found in numerous documents, published articles, directories and birth, death and marriage records. It is likely that the MacNabb family will continue to leave its mark on Scots and English history for generations to come.
Variations of the surname MacNabb
Variants of the surname MacNabb include McNab, MacNab, MacNabbe, MacNabbee, McNabb, McNabbe, and McNabbee.
The name MacNabb is an ancient name whose earliest recorded use in Scotland appears to date back to the late 1200s with the noble family of de Acuna, later known as the MacNabb Clan. The first recorded spelling of the MacNabb surname was in the 13th century and is believed to have originated in the Argyll area of Scotland.
The MacNabb surname is derived from the Gaelic word “mac an aba”, which translates to “son of the abbot”. The abbot was someone who was responsible for religious duties and was likely a local religious leader.
The most widespread spelling variant of MacNabb is probably McNab, with a small number of families in Scotland and Ireland changing their surnames from MacNabb to McLachlan, McIlvain, and Campbell as their clans moved south. It is also thought that those of Irish descent changed their name from MacNabb to MacLaughlin, McLaughlin, and MacQuillan.
The MacNabb variant of the surname is not limited to the British Isles. In Canada, MacNabb is the most common variant, while in the United States, McNabb is the most common. The United States also has the most variants of this surname, with other spellings, such as MacNab, MacNabe, and MacNabbe also being seen in records.
The MacNabb surname continues to be popular today, with families having migrated to countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United States. Those with the surname MacNabb are generally descendants of Scottish Highlanders, who have a rich and proud history.
Famous people with the name MacNabb
- Robert MacNabb: Canadian Olympic rower who earned a silver medal at the 1956 games in Melbourne
- George MacNabb: American Major League Baseball player in the late 19th century
- George MacNabb, Jr.: American Major League Baseball player from the early 20th century, following in his father's footsteps
- Norman MacNabb: British World War I flying ace, credited with eight aerial victories
- Peter MacNabb: Canadian professional ice hockey player who played for the Montreal Maroons and Boston Bruins
- Duncan MacNabb: New Zealand zoologist, former director general of the Department of Zoology at the University of Edinburgh
- Neil MacNabb: Canadian professional football offensive lineman, playing for the Toronto Argonauts from 1971-1976
- Harry MacNabb: English footballer who played for Cardiff City and Everton
- Jonathan MacNabb: Scottish art historian, former director of the National Gallery of Scotland
- Stuart MacNabb: Scottish professional footballer, currently playing for Cowdenbeath