Magay Surname History

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Magay is a very old Scottish name that may even date back to the Dalriadan tribe of Scotland's western coast and Hebrides islands. It comes from the personal name Aodh, which is often Anglicized as Hugh. The Gaelic form of the name is Mac Aoidh, which means son of Aodh.

Early Origins of the Magay family

The surname Magay was first found in Ayrshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Inbhir Àir), formerly a county in the southwestern Strathclyde region of Scotland, that today makes up the Council Areas of South, East, and North Ayrshire, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Scotland.

Early History of the Magay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Magay research. Another 134 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1304 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Magay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Magay Spelling Variations

Spelling variations are a very common occurrence in records of early Scottish names. They result from the repeated and inaccurate translations that many names went through in the course of various English occupations of Scotland. Magay has been spelled Mackie, Mackey, MacHugh and others.

Early Notables of the Magay family

More information is included under the topic Early Magay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Magay family to Ireland

Some of the Magay family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 57 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Magay family

Numerous Scottish settlers settled along the east coast of the colonies that would become the United States and Canada. Others traveled to the open country of the west. At the time of the American War of Independence, some remained in the United States, while those who remained loyal to the crown went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The highland games and Clan societies that sprang up across North America in the 20th century have helped many Scots to recover parts of their lost traditions. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Magays to arrive in North America: Daniel MacKee settled in Boston in 1651; Neil MacKee settled in Boston in 1652; John Mackey settled in Boston in 1651; Sander Mackey settled in Boston in 1651.