Surname MacQuay - Meaning and Origin
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MacQuay: What does the surname MacQuay mean?
The last name MacQuay is a Scottish surname originating from the ancient lands of clan MacDhomnuill—which stretches from the Western Isles to the southwestern area of Scotland. The surname itself is believed to derived from the Gaelic words “Mac” meaning “son of,” and “Cuail,” meaning “holly”. Therefore, one possible meaning of the surname MacQuay is “Son of Holly”.
The MacQuay Clan is part of the larger family of Clan Donald, who are descendants of Somerled, King of the Isles, and are cousins with various other clans such as Clan MacLeod, Clan MacDonald, Clan MacKinnon, and Clan MacNaughton. It is believed that the original settlers of the clan arrived in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland during the Iron Age. It was in the region that the clan would remain undisturbed until arriving in Nova Scotia in 1766.
Today, the descendants of the MacQuay Clan can be found throughout the world—from Scotland to Canada, the United States, and more, and is a proud mark of the influence and reach of dynasties of the old Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
Order DNA origin analysisMacQuay: Where does the name MacQuay come from?
The MacQuay surname is still found today in many parts of the world, and is particularly common in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and Canada. The area of Scotland known as Argyll and Bute has long been one of the main centers of the MacQuay name. It’s believed to have first been used by an individual from the Irish Mac Aodha Guaire clan.
MacQuay is now found in all parts of the UK, from England and Wales to Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is most common in the northeast of England, with large concentrations in and around Newcastle and Hull.
In terms of Australia, the MacQuay name can be traced back to 19th century immigrants who arrived in the country from Scotland. The MacQuay name is also common in the majority of Canadian provinces, from Ontario and Alberta to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
In the United States, most MacQuays are descended from immigrants who arrived to the country from Scotland or Ireland throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it can be found in most American states, but is particularly common in New York, Massachusetts, and the mid-Atlantic region.
Variations of the surname MacQuay
The surname MacQuay has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variant spelling of MacQuay is Mackquay. Other variants include MacCua, MacKwa, and MacKay. The Irish variant MacCua is the most widely used variant.
The surname MacQuay is derived from the Gaelic name MacAoidh, which means 'son of fire'. This tribe or family of that name was located in County Donegal in what is now present day Ireland. In Scotland, the surname of MacKay is also derived from the same Gaelic family name. The MacKay clan is thought to have descended from a powerful family in Norway who migrated to Scotland via the Hebrides.
Variations of the MacQuay surname found in Scotland include MacCua, MacQua, MacKey, and MacQueary. The surname MacQuay is not exceedingly common. Those who bear this name more commonly are found throughout Scotland, Ireland, and parts of Northern England.
In the United States, the MacQuay surname can be found throughout the states that were founded by Scots-Irish immigrants, particularly Pennsylvania, Virginia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee. It is more common in Canada, where it has been mainly found in Nova Scotia and the Maritime provinces.
Overall, there are several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname MacQuay. Those who bear this surname more commonly are found throughout Scotland, Ireland, and parts of Northern England, as well as Canada, the United States, and other countries of Scottish and Irish ancestry.
Famous people with the name MacQuay
- Liam MacQuay: actor, musician, and producer, known for his roles in Kick the Show, Could We Begin Again Please?, and Series 4 of Holby City.
- Doug MacQuay: American football coach and former American football player who served as the defensive line coach for the Denver Broncos.
- Marion MacQuay: Canadian opera singer and actress, best known for her leading roles in the Canadian Opera Company's productions of La Bohème, Carmen, Così fan tutte, and Rigoletto.
- Colin MacQuay: Former Mayor of City of Chisinau in Moldova, and is known for his work in developing the city's infrastructure and opening new avenues of economic development.
- Rachel MacQuay: Acclaimed photographer, noted for her portraits of celebrities, including the world famous Madonna.
- Duncan MacQuay: British actor, known for his roles in Britain: The Great War and The Sea Wolves.
- Sally MacQuay: Award-winning English journalist and writer, known for her books on celebrities and their lives and her contributions to print and television publications.
- Eleanor MacQuay: Renowned Scottish painter, well-known for her works from the Scottish Highlands, which she was very passionate about.
- Peter MacQuay: Australian cricket player and former coach, noted for his contribution to the training and development of cricket Ireland's youth and women's national teams.
- Courtney MacQuay: Professional athlete from the United States, known for having won the silver medal in women's synchronized swimming at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.