Surname MacNamee - Meaning and Origin

MacNamee: What does the surname MacNamee mean?

The surname MacNamee is an Anglicized form of the Irish surname Mag Naoimh, which is derived from the Gaelic word for ‘son of Saint’. The name MacNamee is found in Counties Donegal, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry in Northern Ireland. It is also a popular surname in Scotland's Hebrides Islands and in County Mayo in the Republic of Ireland.

The use of the prefix Mac or Mc usually indicated being the son of. In ancient Irish custom, the prefix ‘Mac’ was often adopted to indicate kinship with a revered figure, usually a poet, and is believed to have been the typical way to signify a link to a military or religious hero. Consequently, it is suggested that the MacNamee surname indicates a connection to a notable figure within the Church, such as a Saint. It is possible that there is a patron saint of a particular MacNamee family who was known throughout the region and eventually adopted as the family’s patron.

The MacNamee surname has also been found in thebloodlines of many prominent people including Lord Craigavon, the first Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, and Joseph MacNamee, the first member of local government from County Fermanagh. Another notable bearer of the surname is actress Elizabeth McNamee.

In modern times, the MacNamee surname remains prevalent among those of Irish or Scottish heritage who are looking to proudly display their family’s proud Irish or Scottish cultural roots. The name is also shared by those to whom it has connected throughout the centuries, giving them a shared history and pride of their Irish or Scottish heritage.

MacNamee: Where does the name MacNamee come from?

The last name MacNamee is most commonly found in Ireland, where it is believed to be an anglicized version of an old Gaelic surname. It is also fairly common in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands. It is believed to have originated in the ancient kingdom of Dalriada, an ancient kingdom in the northern part of Scotland and the western part of Northern Ireland. The MacNamees of Dalriada are thought to have been descended from kings, and to have held the title of Earls of Gleneg and Western Isles.

Today, MacNamee is extremely common in Ireland, particularly in the counties of Donegal, Tyrone and Derry. It is also frequently found in Scotland, particularly in the western part of the country. While there are no records of the surname outside of Ireland and Scotland, it is likely to have been brought there by Irish and Scottish emigrants during the 18th and 19th centuries who settled in Europe, Australia, Canada and the United States.

According to recent statistics, MacNamee is currently the 68th most common surname in Ireland and the 1,631st most common in Scotland. The name is also found in the United States, where it is the 4,176th most popular surname. The current distribution of MacNamee is reflective of the long and varied history of the MacNamee family in Scotland and Ireland.

Variations of the surname MacNamee

The surname MacNamee is believed to be of Irish origins and is an anglicized version of the Gaelic name Mac Neimhidh. A variety of variant spellings and related surnames exist, which can include MacNamey, MacNeme, MacName, MacNamy, MacNimey, MacNimee, McNammey, McNammee, MacNemeigh, and MacNimeigh.

MacNamee is a patronymic form of the personal name Neimhidh, which is Gaelic for “nimble,” or “agile.” Here the prefix “mac” meaning “son of” is used. This name is can be found across a variety of counties in Ireland, including counties Monaghan, Martin, Leitrim, Donegal, and Cavan.

The Church of Ireland recorded many occurrences of the name in the 18th century, including The MacNamee Family of Corofin, in County Fermanagh, known from Gaelic times as the MacNamees of Clann Domhnaill. Another branch of the family lived in Moate, County Westmeath. The name is also found in Scotland and Yorkshire particularly associated with families that migrated there during the emigration of the 18th and 19th centuries. The earliest record of the name dates back to 1304 in County Sligo Ireland.

Variations in spelling of the MacNamee surname can contain the root “MacN” or “McN.” Some additional surnames of Irish MacNamee origin are Gaelic “Ó Neamhthigh,” which can be phonetically anglicized as “O’Namey” or “O’Nemeigh;” and MacNamey, MacName, MacNemy, MacNeme, and MacNimy. One should also note the spelling variants for the Scottish or English versions of MacNamee as MacNaimy, MacNaire, MacNameer, McNamee, and MacNamere.

Famous people with the name MacNamee

• Sarah MacNamee: Reality television personality
• Stuart MacNamee: Actor & screenwriter
• Sean MacNamee: Sports reporter and analyst
• Genevieve MacNamee: Actress
• Daniel MacNamee: Musician
• Mary MacNamee: Author
• Steve MacNamee: Musician
• Colin MacNamee: Radio presenter
• Liam MacNamee: Model
• J.P. MacNamee: Tennis coach
• Julie MacNamee: Curator
• Jack MacNamee: Sports coach
• Sally MacNamee: TV presenter
• Deborah MacNamee: YouTuber
• Tom MacNamee: Comedian
• Neal MacNamee: Activist
• John MacNamee: Politician
• Shirley MacNamee: Poet and singer
• Abigail MacNamee: Professional dancer
• Liam MacNamee: Actor

Other surnames

MacNamaMacNamaraMacNamellMacNamil