Last Names

Surnames / M

McGee

What is the origin of the last name McGee?

Irish originPatronymic (from a parent or ancestor)Rank #439 in the US

Meaning and origin

The last name McGee originates from Ireland and is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Mac Aodha, meaning "son of Aodha." Aodha is an ancient Irish personal name derived from the word "Aodh," which signifies "fire" or "brightness." The name has deep roots in Irish history and genealogy, often associated with noble lineages and ancient clans.

The longer story

It is primarily found in Ireland and Scotland, and is classified as an anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Aodha, meaning "son of Aodha." Aodha is a given name derived from the Old Irish word "aodh," which means "fire." The association with fire suggests a connection to the god of the Celtic pantheon, known as Aodh or Aed.

The surname Mcgee is most commonly spelled with the capital letter "M" followed by the lowercase letters "c" and "g," and ending with two lowercase "e's." The name Mcgee is a patronymic surname, indicating that it originated as a way to identify individuals by their father's name. This practice was common in ancient societies and served as a way to distinguish between individuals who may have shared the same given name.

Historical records indicate that the Mcgee surname dates back centuries. It is believed to have originated in Ireland and spread to other parts of the world through emigration.

Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.

Similar spellings

#439

McGee was the 439th most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 74,542 people, about 25 in every 100,000.

Who carries it

  • White (non-Hispanic)62.3%
  • Hispanic or Latino2.3%
  • Black (non-Hispanic)31.5%
  • Asian or Pacific Islander0.5%
  • Two or more races2.7%
  • American Indian or Alaska Native0.7%

Where it is found

Countries linked to McGee.

Surnames like McGee

Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.

Check the sources

For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.