Surname McGhee - Meaning and Origin
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V. McGhee
read moreMcGhee: What does the surname McGhee mean?
The surname McGhee is of Irish origin and comes from the Gaelan word "Mag Aodha," which translates to "son of Aodha." Aodha, in Irish Gaelic, is a personal name that means "fire," and was originally referred to the Celtic god of the sun. Therefore, the surname McGhee can be interpreted as "son of fire" or "fire's son." It is also connected to the name Hughes. Over time, as people migrated and languages evolved, the name transformed into various forms, including Magee, McGee, and McGhee. This surname is widespread in Ireland, particularly in the Ulster region. It is a patronymic surname, meaning it was originally based upon the name of a male ancestor, signifying familial relationships and lineage. Despite its origins in Ireland, the effects of migration and Diaspora have resulted in the surname McGhee now being found in many different parts of the world.
Order DNA origin analysisMcGhee: Where does the name McGhee come from?
The last name McGhee is of Scottish and Irish origins, derived from the Gaelic word "Mag Aodha," which means "son of Aodh" or "son of Hugh." This surname initially served as a patronymic name, indicating lineage or descent from a distinguished forefather. It became popular in Scotland's Galloway region and the northern regions of Ireland, chiefly in Ulster.
The McGhee surname dispersed across various countries with time due to factors like migration, colonization, and international trade. In contemporary times, the name McGhee is predominantly prevalent in the United States. It is due in part to a large wave of Irish and Scottish immigrants who came to America during the 19th century and the early 20th century, bringing their cultural heritage, including their distinct surnames. Additionally, the McGhee surname finds a notable presence in the United Kingdom, especially in the areas corresponding to its Scottish and Irish origins.
Variations of the surname McGhee
The surname McGhee originates from the Scottish Gaelic name Mac Aoidh, which translates as "son of Aodh" (Aodh meaning fire, a pagan god). Over time, this name has evolved and been Anglicized in various forms leading to a number of variants and spellings.
Some of the common variants and spellings of the surname McGhee are: McGee, MacGhee, MacGee, Magee, MacGhie, and M'Ghee. Other versions take on a different format but still maintain the root, such as Mackie, McKay, or MacKee.
There is also a group of surnames that hold the same meaning as McGhee, deriving from the "son of Aodh" origin. These include Hughes (from the Irish variant, Ó hAodha), Hayes (another Anglicisation of Ó hAodha), and other names relating to fire or the pagan god Aodh.
While the majority are Irish and Scottish, there is a distribution of these names in other English speaking countries due to historical emigration. Therefore, the surname can sometimes reflect a family's historic connection to Irish or Scottish identity. Specifically, the McGhee surname is most commonly found in the United States, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Famous people with the name McGhee
1.The McGhee brothers: Bill McGhee (American taekwondo athlete), Brett McGhee (American basketball player), and Bruce McGhee (American Olympic gymnast). 2.Tony McGhee (American politician and former State Senator from Tennessee). 3.Franklin McGhee (former American basketball player). 4.Rashelle McGhee (American actress). 5.Paul Anthony McGhee (known as Paul Davis, former American professional basketball player). 6.Jabari McGhee (American rapper and actor). 7.Rick McGhee (American television producer). 8.Brian McGhee (also known as “Ya Boy”, American rapper). 9.Damon McGhee (American freestyle skier). 10.Vernon McGhee (American collegiate basketball coach).