MacAvoy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

Etymology of MacAvoy

What does the name MacAvoy mean?

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

Early Origins of the MacAvoy family

The surname MacAvoy 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 MacAvoy family

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

MacAvoy Spelling Variations

Pronunciation, rather than spelling, guided scribes and church officials when recording names during the Middle Ages. This practice often resulted in one person's name being recorded under several different spellings. Numerous spelling variations of the surname MacAvoy are preserved in these old documents. The various spellings of the name that were found include McEvoy, Evoy, McGilloway, McVeagh, McVeigh, McAvoy, McElwee, McElwy and many more.

Early Notables of the MacAvoy family

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

MacAvoy migration to Canada +

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 MacAvoy:

MacAvoy Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Catherine MacAvoy, whose wedding is on record in Nova Scotia in 1832
Catherine MacAvoy, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1832
Mary Anne MacAvoy, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1840

MacAvoy migration to Australia +

MacAvoy Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Miss Julia MacAvoy, English convict who was convicted in Salford, Greater Manchester, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Duchess of Northumberland" on 25th November 1852, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 1

Sources +

Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 22nd July 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/duchess-of-northumberland