Show ContentsMacAffey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Irish surname MacAffey originally appeared in Gaelic as "Mac Fhiodhbhuidhe," which is probably derived from the word "fiodhbhadhach," referring to "a woodman."

Early Origins of the MacAffey family

The surname MacAffey was first found in Wexford (Irish: Loch Garman), founded by Vikings as Waesfjord, and located in Southeastern Ireland, in the province of Leinster, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the MacAffey family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacAffey research. Another 107 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1100 and 1563 are included under the topic Early MacAffey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacAffey Spelling Variations

Within the archives researched, many different spelling variations of the surname MacAffey were found. These included One reason for the many variations is that scribes and church officials often spelled an individual's name as it sounded. This imprecise method often led to many versions. McEvoy, Evoy, McGilloway, McVeagh, McVeigh, McAvoy, McElwee, McElwy and many more.

Early Notables of the MacAffey family

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

Migration of the MacAffey family

Thousands of Irish families left for North American shores in the 19th century. These people were searching for a life unencumbered with poverty, hunger, and racial discrimination. Many arrived to eventually find such conditions, but many others simply did not arrive: victims of the diseased, overcrowded ships in which they traveled to the New World. Those who lived to see North American shores were instrumental in the development of the growing nations of Canada and the United States. A thorough examination of passenger and immigration lists has disclosed evidence of many early immigrants of the name MacAffey: James McKelvey, who arrived in Charles Town [Charleston], South Carolina in 1767; David McKelvey, who was naturalized in South Carolina in 1805; Hugh McKelvey, who was naturalized in Allegheny Co., PA in 1807.



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