MacNee History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

The spelling and overall form of Irish names tend to vary widely. The original Gaelic form of the name MacNee is Mac Neidhe, which is derived from the word niadh, which means champion.

Early Origins of the MacNee family

The surname MacNee was first found in County Down (Irish:An Dún) part of the Province of Ulster, in Northern Ireland, formerly known as county St Mirren, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the MacNee family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacNee research. Another 112 words (8 lines of text) covering the year 1037 is included under the topic Early MacNee History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacNee Spelling Variations

During the Middle Ages, a person's name was often recorded under several spelling variations during a single lifetime because it was essentially up to the individual scribe's discretion as to how to record an individual's name. Research into the name MacNee revealed many variations, including MacNee, MacNea, MacNay, MacKnee, MacNeigh, MacNia, Nee, Knee and many more.

Early Notables of the MacNee family

Notable amongst the family name at this time was

MacNee of Breadalbane

MacNee migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

MacNee Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

J W MacNee, who landed in Sydney, Australia in 1839

Contemporary Notables of the name MacNee (post 1700) +

Daniel Macnee (1877-1952), British race horse trainer, grandson of Sir Daniel Macnee, father of Patrick Macnee
Dorothea Mabel Macnee BEM (1896-1984), née Henry, British socialite during the inter war years, mother of Patrick Macnee
Patrick Macnee (1922-2015), British-born actor, best known for his starring role as the secret agent John Steed in the "Avengers"
Sir Daniel Macnee FRSE RSA (1806-1882), Scottish portrait painter, President of the Royal Scottish Academy (1876), great-grandfather of the actor Patrick Macnee