The surname is one of the native Irish surnames that come from the Irish Gaelic language. The original Gaelic form of the name McGehey is "Mac Eachaidh," from the personal name Eachaidh, which is Anglicized as Aghy. It is cognate with Eochaigh, which is Anglicized as the once-common Christian name Oghy.
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Early Origins of the McGehey family
The surname McGehey was first found in the county of Cork (Irish: Corcaigh) the ancient Kingdom of Deis Muin (Desmond), located on the southwest coast of Ireland in the province of Munster, where they held a family seat from ancient times.
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Early History of the McGehey family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McGehey research. Another 106 words (8 lines of text) are included under the topic Early McGehey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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McGehey Spelling Variations
Names from the Middle Ages demonstrate many spelling variations. This is because the recording scribe or church official often decided as to how a person's name was spelt and in what language. Research into the name McGehey revealed many variations, including Caughey, McCaughey, McGaughey, Coffee, Coffey, Coffy, O'Coffey, O'Coffy, Mulcahy, McGahey and many more.
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Early Notables of the McGehey family
More information is included under the topic Early McGehey Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the McGehey 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 McGehey: John Caughey who settled in New York in 1845; James Coffe who settled in Boston in 1754; Bridget Coffee settled in Boston in 1849; John Coffee settled in Virginia in 1637.
Contemporary Notables of the name McGehey (post 1700)
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J. Howard McGehey, American politician, Candidate in primary for Mayor of Newport, Kentucky, 1963 1
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Non providentia sed victoria Motto Translation: No victory without foresight
Ireland
