Surname Mac Eitigen - Meaning and Origin
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Mac Eitigen: What does the surname Mac Eitigen mean?
The last name Mac Eitigen (sometimes spelled Mac Eatagan or Mac Aitkin) is an Anglicized version of the Irish Gaelic name Mhic Aithbheagain, which translates to “son of Aithbeag”. Aithbeag was an early Irish saint who gave his name to several Irish place names, such as Drumlithie in County Antrim, where the family is believed to have originated.
The Mac Eitigen/Mac Eatagan/Mac Aitkin family is part of the greater Scottish-Irish clan system, specifically Clan Donald, one of the most powerful Gaelic clans in Scotland and Ireland. They were a distinguished and influential family in Ireland, particularly in County Antrim, with many members of the family becoming members of prominent positions in churches, politics, and the military.
The Mac Eitigens were known for their loyalty to their clan, strong work ethic, and their ability to withstand adversity. They have played a significant role in Irish history, largely due to their prominent members and their standing in the clan system. In more recent times, the Mac Eitigens continue to serve as a source of pride and heritage for many in the family.
The heritage of the Mac Eitigens is ingrained in Irish and Scottish culture and highlights the importance of family bonds and loyalty to one’s clan. As we continue to strive for a better understanding of our shared history, it is important to acknowledge how influential the Mac Eitigens have been and continue to be in the shared heritage of Scotland and Ireland.
Order DNA origin analysisMac Eitigen: Where does the name Mac Eitigen come from?
The surname Mac Eitigen is not an especially common one today, although it can be found across the British Isles, Europe, and around the world. The earliest recorded use of the name dates back to 14th-century Scotland, where the MacEitigen clan lived in the county of Drumfries. It is thought that the name was derived from the Gaelic MacEitigin, meaning 'son of Eitigin'.
In Scotland, the surname is most commonly found on the west coast, particularly in the County of Argyll. Here, the name is commonly associated with the town of Tobermory, home of the Clan MacEitigen of Tiree. The name is also found in other parts of Scotland, including parts of Angus and Aberdeenshire.
Across the world, the surname is found in countries such as the United States of America, Canada, Ireland, and Australia. In particular, the name is strong in Northern Ireland, Canada and the United States. In the United States, the surname is most abundant in Massachusetts, New York, California and Pennsylvania – states with large Irish-American populations.
The rarity of the name means that there is no single, fixed spelling of the MacEitigen surname, and the name is sometimes found with alternative spellings such as McHeding, McEttigan, and MacEttigan. Nevertheless, the name holds a proud Scottish heritage and remains an important part of Scottish and Irish culture.
Variations of the surname Mac Eitigen
Mac Eitigen, which is an Anglicized version of the Irish name “Mac Éiteagáin”, is a Gaelic Irish surname and has several variants, spellings, and other surnames of the same origin.
The most common variant of Mac Eitigen is MacAtee or McAtee. This variant is derived from the Irish Mac Áiteogáin, which was also translated to MacAteer. It is an anglicized form that originated in County Donegal, Ireland.
The most common variant of McAtee is MacCatee. This variation of the surname originates from the MacEithen sept of County Cork, Ireland. The Irish spelling of MacCatee is Mac Caiteogáin, which is translated to the English form of MacCateer.
The name MacEithen is another related name, and this is the Anglicized form of the ancient Irish name MacEiteagáin. This is a common variant of MacEitigen and is found mainly in the counties of Cork and Wexford in Ireland. The Irish version of this surname is MacAiteagain or MacAiteogain.
The Irish surname Cuddihy, which appears in Leitrim and Tipperary, is another form derived from MacEitigen. This surname is translated to MacCuddihy, and is thought to have originated from the MacEithen sept of Cork.
Finally, there is the surname McSweeney, which is derived from Mac Eitigen. McSweeney is a variation of the surname MacSuibhne, which is pronounced in Irish as Mac Soo-een and translates as “son of Sweeney”. It is found mainly in County Cork, Ireland.
Famous people with the name Mac Eitigen
- Ruben Mac Eitigen: Dutch footballer
- Irène Mac Eitigen: French actress
- Mark Mac Eitigen: British actor
- Eithean Mac Eitigen: Scottish dramatist
- Geoff Mac Eitigen: Canadian former ice hockey player
- Angela Mac Eitigen: American reality TV star
- Seumas Mac Eitigen: Irish Gaelic footballer
- Sean Mac Eitigen: Irish broadcasting presenter
- Jill Mac Eitigen: American country music artist
- Kieran Mac Eitigen: Irish mountaineer, explorer and writer