Surname MacNeidhe - Meaning and Origin
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MacNeidhe: What does the surname MacNeidhe mean?
The last name MacNeidhe is a form of the IrishMac Aoidh, which is derived from the Clan Aoidh, an Irish Gaelic clan from ancient Ulster. The MacNeidhe surname is thought to originate from the ancient kingdom of Ulaidh, which was located in what is now modern day County Down, Northern Ireland.
The origin of the name may stem from the Irish term “mac” which means “son of” and “Aoidh” meaning “fire”, resulting in the meaning “son of fire” or “son of the fiery one”. Variations of the name appeared in early Irish annals and historical records including Mac Neidhde, MacNeddy, MacKneady and Macneeedy.
The MacNeidhe family was an influential family throughout the history of Ireland. In the Middle Ages the family acted as one of the most powerful and influential septs in Ulster, and continuned to be influential well into the 18th century. It is believed that the clan’s stronghold was located at Casoilighen, on the shores of Scotland near Ballyboes.
Today, the MacNeidhe surname is still around, and can be found in Ireland and all over the world. Although not every MacNeidhe is descended from the same ancestors, those of the same family today often make use of the family crest. The crest, blazoned as a rams head surgant and appears in different variations, could be adopted by any person of the surname MacNeidhe, or any of its variants, to signify their ancestral ties.
Order DNA origin analysisMacNeidhe: Where does the name MacNeidhe come from?
The last name MacNeidhe is most prominent in Ireland and Scotland. It was originally an Irish Gaelic patronym derived from the name Niadh, a Gaelic name meaning "champion". Today, the surname can be found all over Scotland and Ireland, but also in the United States and Canada.
In Scotland, the surname is more common in the northern part of the country, with a large cluster surrounding Aberdeen. There are also frequent sightings in Glasgow, and Stirling.
In Ireland, MacNeidhe is concentrated in the provinces of Ulster, Connacht, and Leinster and is centered around the city of Dublin. It is also present in considerable numbers in Westmeath, Carlow, and Waterford.
In the United States and Canada, MacNeidhe is most prominent in the northeastern states, with the largest concentrations in Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, and Maryland. It can also be found in other parts of the Midwest, East Coast, and West Coast.
Overall, MacNeidhe is still quite prominent in Ireland, Scotland, the United States, and Canada, with the highest numbers being concentrated in the aforementioned countries.
Variations of the surname MacNeidhe
The spelling and variants of the surname MacNeidhe have been evolving for centuries and can differ greatly depending on language and region. Common English spellings include MacNeidhe, McN2, MacNeidh, McAtee, McKneally, and MacKneel. Variants in Irish include Mac an Neach, Mac Naidh, Mac Cathmhaoil, Mac Aodha, and Mac an Uidhir. The surname is derived from the Gaelic Mac Néidigh meaning 'son of the champion' or 'son of the knight'.
In Scotland, variations of MacNeidhe there include Neil, Neilson, Neill, Nelson, and Neilsonne. In Wales, the spelling Neidh is most commonly used. Popular surnames of the same origin in Scotland include McKneill, MacNeil, MacNeill, McNeal, McNealy, McNee, and McNeely. Variations of the surname are also found in Germany as Niede and Nieder.
Internationally, the surname is seen in its various spellings and variants, often pronounced as 'nee'. In the United States, some of the variants of the surname MacNeidhe found are McNeight, MacNeath, McNeeley, McAnally, MacCneely, and MacKneal.
In Australia, the surname is spelled MacNeidhe but it is sometimes pronounced 'nee' or 'nay'. This variant of the surname can also be seen in other parts of the world, and is usually pronounced 'nee' or 'nay' in Scotland and Ireland.
The surname MacNeidhe has been in existence for centuries and has evolved into many variations. It is a testament to the resilience of the family that their original name has survived in such widespread and varied forms.
Famous people with the name MacNeidhe
- Nuala MacNeidhe: Irish actress and novelist
- Philip MacNeidhe: former professional footballer
- Dr. Sarah MacNeidhe: British epidemiologist
- Colin MacNeidhe: British actor
- Eimear MacNeidhe: Irish recording artist and poet
- Eibhir MacNeidhe: Irish traditional musician
- Donal MacNeidhe: Irish sculptor
- Catriona MacNeidhe: Scottish painter and book artist
- Mary MacNeidhe: Irish traditional singer
- Bill MacNeidhe: Canadian hockey player
- Ailbhe MacNeidhe: Irish actress
- Seamus MacNeidhe: Irish bassist
- Siobhan MacNeidhe: Irish singer-songwriter
- Liam MacNeidhe: Irish musician
- Aoibheann MacNeidhe: Irish dancer