Surname MacNee - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacNee: What does the surname MacNee mean?
The surname MacNee is a variant of the Irish name MacNiadh, which is a patronymic name meaning "son of Neil". It is believed that the surname derives from the Scottish clan of MacNee who migrated to Ireland in the 12th century. In Irish culture, surnames were often used to identify a person's position in society, their geographical location, or their occupation. This is why many Irish names, including MacNee, have meanings related to professions such as blacksmiths, fishermen, or farmers.
The MacNees settled in the province of Ulster during the course of the plantation of Ulster in the 16th and 17th centuries. It was while living in this area that the MacNees' traditions and identity were formed, leading to them becoming a distinguished and respected surname in the area. The MacNee surname has since spread around the world and can be found in countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United States.
The MacNee name has become symbolic of Irish culture and heritage, representing a people and a nation of hardworking and determined individuals. Although the name is still associated with the Province of Ulster, it is not exclusive to this part of Ireland. Nor is it exclusive to the Irish, as the surname is found across many countries in the form of various spelling variations. Nevertheless, the name MacNee has become associated with a people and culture that remain proud of their heritage and identity.
Order DNA origin analysisMacNee: Where does the name MacNee come from?
The surname MacNee (also spelled MacNé, Macnee, McNee, or McNée) is a Scottish surname originating from the Gaelic Mac an Fhilidh, which translates to “son of the follower” or “son of the servant”. It is most commonly associated with the Irish and Scottish populations, particularly in the areas of Clanranald in the Isle of Mull and the historical Scottish Clan MacNeil.
Today the surname MacNee is still present in Scotland and Ireland, but is more common in parts of North America that received significant waves of Irish and Scottish immigration during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Irish and Scottish immigrants settler branches of the MacNee family in places as far-reaching as Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New York, California, Mississippi, Kentucky, and beyond.
In the United States, MacNee was ranked 3,187th most popular surname between 1990 and 2000 according to the United States Census Bureau. It continues to be a common name in the United States, although not among the top 200 most common surnames.
In recent years,the surname has spread to other parts of the world such as Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, as the result of family members moving from North America or descendants who have travelled abroad.
Whatever the origin, the MacNee family can take comfort in the fact that the surname is still strong and alive today.
Variations of the surname MacNee
The MacNee surname can have many different spellings and variants, which often depend on the country or region where the surname originator came from and the specific spelling conventions in use at the time. Variations of MacNee include MacNae, MacNay, MacNamee, MacNeece, MacNey, MacNeice, MacNeish, MacNeish, MacNeo, MacNeoca, MacNeoch, MacNeill, MacNeise, and McNee.
The main variant of the MacNee surname is the singular form of McNee. Other variants include MacNeece, which originated in the Scottish Highlands, and MacNair, which originated in the region of Scotland and the Irish Province of Ulster.
The MacNee surname is most commonly found in Scotland, Ireland, Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and The Netherlands. It is believed that the name originated in Scotland, with the earliest records found in the Highlands from the middle of the 16th century.
Though MacNee and its variations are most often found in Scotland and Ireland, the surname is also present in other English-speaking countries. It is also believed that MacNee is an Irish-Gaelic surname anglicised from the Gaelic MacNeachdainn, which means ‘son of the valiant one’.
The MacNee surname is most likely a patronymic and represents a descendent of the ancestor who first used the surname and gave it to his descendants. The name is handed down from father to son, meaning that each bearers of the name are likely related if they share the same surname.
Famous people with the name MacNee
- Patrick Macnee: British actor best known for his role as John Steed in the 1960s British spy series The Avengers.
- Kevin McNee: American actor and playwright who was an original cast member of the musical Jersey Boys.
- Mark MacNee: Scottish actor best known for portraying Parker in the Doctor Who serial Remembrance of the Daleks.
- Sarah Macnee: Canadian actress who starred in the USA Network television series K-Ville.
- Malcolm MacNee: American actor best known for his recurring role as Craig Summers on the television series Full House.
- John Macnee: Canadian actor who appeared on the television series Cold Squad and the films The New Age and Painkiller Jane.
- Kat McNee: American singer-songwriter best known as a contestant on the third season of American Idol.
- Neil MacNee: Scottish actor best known for his roles in the films The Hunted and Flight Of The Phoenix.
- Bill Macnee: British television presenter and producer who worked for ITV and Yorkshire Television.
- Jan MacNee: American actress best known for her roles in the films Warlock, Rat Race, and Impact Point.