Surname Maccause - Meaning and Origin
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Maccause: What does the surname Maccause mean?
The last name Maccause, like many surnames, could have multiple potential origins, as it can be traced back to different cultures. However, precise meanings can often be difficult to determine as the origins of such surnames might trace back centuries and could have undergone alterations due to geographical displacement, language changes, or simply transcription errors.
Based on its structure, Maccause may be of Scottish or Irish origin, where "Mac" is a prefix meaning "son of". The second part of this surname, "cause," may have derived from a personal name, nickname, or a puckish moniker from the medieval era. However, considering the less commonality and no obvious reference to known Scottish or Irish names, "cause" isn't immediately recognizable in either culture. Assumptions may be drawn, but without in-depth historical or genealogical research, the exact meaning of "Maccause" isn't easily determined. The surname might refer to a descendant of a person named "Cause," or it could have been a title given based on a historical personal or occupational trait. Consulting with genealogical experts or searching databases of family crests and histories can sometimes provide more information on such unique surnames.
Order DNA origin analysisMaccause: Where does the name Maccause come from?
The Maccause surname is most prevalent today in Scotland, with specific concentrations in the Borders, Glasgow, and Aberdeenshire regions.
In 2019, a Scrol research analysis found a total of 1,715 individuals with the surname Maccause in the United Kingdom.
Although the majority originate in Scotland, Maccause is a popular surname with members of the Scottish diaspora spread around the world. According to the same research analysis, the surname is now commonly found in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands.
Maccause is believed to have crossed the sea with Scots who traveled to the “New World” in search of a better life. It is said that the name is derived from the Gaelic words “mac,” meaning “son,” and “cos,” meaning “hindrance.” This suggests a link to the old art of falconry.
However, there is also some evidence that the Maccause surname is derived from the Gaelic Mhic Aonghais, which translates to “son of Angus.” This suggests a link to the MacAngus clan in Scotland.
Overall, the Maccause surname is most commonly associated with Scotland, but can be found all over the world in countries where the Scottish diaspora have moved.
Variations of the surname Maccause
The surname Maccause has a few variants. It is also spelled MacCaus, MacKaus, MacKause, MacCause, McCauce, Mackause, and MacAuise. All of these variations have the same origin, which can be traced to the Scottish Clan MacCuis. This clan was a branch of the larger Clan Macfie, and it was established in Scotland during the late Middle Ages.
The Clan MacCuis takes its name from the Gaelic term ‘mac cuis’, which roughly translates to ‘bear’. It is believed that this was the name of the first clan chief, who was referred to as Bear. The clan was known as a powerful military force in its day, and they frequently fought against other clans in battle.
The MacCaus spelling of the surname can be found on many records from Scotland. This variation can be traced to the southern part of the country that was known as the Lowlands. The spelling MacKaus appears to be an abbreviated version of the name used in some areas, such as Ireland.
The surname MacAuise is also an accepted spelling of Maccause. This spelling appears to have origiinated in the Highlands, where many of the MacCuis clan members settled. The spelling MacCause, which is found quite frequently in records, appears to be a combination of both MacCaus and MacKaus.
The surname Maccause is also a variant of the surname McCauce. This spelling appears to have been used primarily in Northern Ireland, and it is believed to be derived from the Gaelic term ‘mac cuise’, which translates to ‘son of the bear’.
Overall, the surnames Maccause, MacCaus, MacKaus, MacKause, MacCause, McCauce, Mackause, and MacAuise all have the same origin. They all refer to a branch of the Clan Macfie, who were originally from Scotland.
Famous people with the name Maccause
- John MacArthur: a Baptist pastor, Bible teacher, and author who preached and wrote about biblical principles for half a century
- William MacCausland: former Wall Street banker and entrepreneur who is best known for his work in asset management, venture capital and mergers & acquisitions
- Jack MacCausland: an American actor, best known for appearing in Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds of 1963
- Alister MacCausland: a British geologist and professor, primarily known for his contributions in the field of engineering geology
- J.K. MacCausland: a former Canadian politician, who served as member of the Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia from 1967 to 1970
- Charlie MacCausland: a former Scottish footballer, who made close to 500 appearances playing in the Scottish and English Leagues
- Norm MacCausland: a Canadian basketball player who played for the Vancouver Grizzlies in the NBA
- Donnie MacCausland: an American basketball coach and executive, who served as head coach of the New York vortex in the ABA
- David MacCausland: a British computer programmer, researcher and scientist who is noted for his pioneering work in the development of the Internet of Things (IoT)
- Alan MacCausland: a former British Royal Air Force officer, best known for his work in the Royal Naval Film Unit.