Surname MacLeavy - Meaning and Origin
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MacLeavy: What does the surname MacLeavy mean?
The last name MacLeavy is of Scottish origin, having come from the Gaelic words 'Mac' meaning 'son of' and 'labhraidh' which means 'travelling one'. As a result, people bearing the MacLeavy last name are thought to be descendants of a prominent traveller from Scotland.
In the old Gaelic language, the MacLeavy surname is also thought to refer to people from a village, or lands, named Lavery or Leavy. This could mean it also relates to an ancestor from a certain area.
Today, the MacLeavy surname is common in Scotland, but it can also be found in other parts of the UK, such as England, Northern Ireland and Wales. It is not particularly common elsewhere in the world.
In terms of character traits, people with the name MacLeavy are said to understand their fellow human beings deeply and are full of passion and have an intense nature. They are incredibly loyal and committed to their families and have deep-seated values which they hold dearly. They can often find the silver lining in difficult situations with their natural optimism.
All in all, the name MacLeavy is both rich in history and interesting in character. It is a reminder of people's creative, curious and passionate natures, that can bring meaningful change to the world.
Order DNA origin analysisMacLeavy: Where does the name MacLeavy come from?
The last name MacLeavy is rooted in the Irish Gaelic traditions of County Mayo, Ireland. The MacLeavy surname has spread to many places around the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Today it is most commonly found in areas that experienced heavy Irish immigration, such as New England, New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina in the United States, and in Canada in the provinces of Newfoundland, Quebec, and Ontario.
In the US, states with the highest population of those with the MacLeavy surname include New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. Within these states, some of the largest cities with MacLeavys include New York City, Rochester, and Buffalo in New York; Boston, Cambridge and Worcester in Massachusetts; and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania.
The growth of Irish immigration to the United States peaked in the 1840s and 1850s, but there is evidence that the MacLeavy surname has been in America since the early 1700s. This suggests there have been generations of MacLeavy families living in the United States since before the Irish potato famine in the mid-1800s.
Wherever they are, MacLeavy family members have the privilege of being part of a long lineage. In the online Irish Historical Manuscripts Commissions, the MacLeavy branch of the “Tribes of Galway” is traced back as far as the 1500s, although it is believed to date as far back as the 1100s.
Variations of the surname MacLeavy
MacLeavy is a historically Gaelic surname, and the original spelling of the family’s ancestor’s name is Mac Laoidhigh. The root of the name is from the Irish Gaelic language, and it means ‘son of Laoidhigh or the devoted follower’.
Over time, this surname has developed several variant spellings, which are all present in records today. These include MacLeavy, MacCleavy, MacLaverty, MacLeverty, McClaverty, and even McLevie.
In some records, the Irish Gaelic spelling of the name has been Anglicized. This name can be found as MacLoughley, MacLeughley, and others.
The MacLeavy surname is often associated with a particular region in Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, where the family originated. Today, there are still many members of the MacLeavy family living in that area.
Other variations of the MacLeavy surname may also be found in nearby Scotland, particularly in the Border region. Variants include McLeavy, McLeavey, and MacLevey.
In some cases, the original surname has been altered so much over time that there is now no trace of the original Irish Gaelic root. These new surnames, such as McLevy, McClue, MacLue, and MacLowrey, can be found in Scotland, America, and Canada. Here, the family is often referred to as Clan MacLeavy.
In summary, the original spelling for the surname MacLeavy is Mac Laoidhigh, and there are numerous variations of the same name throughout the world. These variations include MacLeavy, MacCleavy, MacLaverty, MacLeverty, McLeavy, McLeavey, MacLevey, McLevy, McClue, MacLue, and MacLowrey.
Famous people with the name MacLeavy
- Quinn MacLeavy: actress, co-star of the Netflix series Outer Banks.
- Sarah Jane Macleavy: actress known for her films Harbinger Down and Below Her Mouth.
- Bailey Macleavy: American actor and producer known for his role in the film Dog Days.
- Gordon MacLeavy: former professional soccer player from England.
- John MacLeavy: Scottish politician and former Minister of Parliament.
- Tamsin MacLeavy: British actress and costume designer.
- Stephen MacLeavy: Scottish musician and film composer.
- Harry MacLeavy: British sculptor and artist.
- Mike MacLeavy: Australian contemporary airbrush artist.
- Jason MacLeavy: internationally renowned jazz pianist.