Surname MacAreavy - Meaning and Origin

MacAreavy: What does the surname MacAreavy mean?

The last name MacAreavy originates from Ireland and is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Aireabhaigh, which is composed of two elements: the Mac prefix meaning “son of”, and Aireabhaigh, which is of uncertain origin. It may come from the Old Norse personal name Arn–biorn meaning “eagle-bear” or “eagle-warrior”. The MacAreavy family may have been warriors during the invasions of the Vikings.

The MacAreavy name is also found in many regions of the world, including Scotland, Wales, England, and Canada, among others. Over time, the name has been altered to its present spelling, most probably due to spelling errors on paper records.

While the exact meaning of MacAreavy is unknown, the name is associated with strength and courage, as it could represent someone who was part of a warrior family. The name may also serve as a reminder of personal and family heritage for modern day descendants.

MacAreavy: Where does the name MacAreavy come from?

The last name MacAreavy is most commonly found in Ireland and the Irish diaspora. It is believed to be an Anglicization of the Gaelic name Mac govern, which means "son of the governor." The earliest record of the name dates back to 1670, when one William McGovern was listed in a census of County Antrim, Ireland. The name then spread from Ireland to many other parts of the world, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia.

In the United States, MacAreavy is most strongly associated with the Irish population in the Northeast and Midwest regions, but it is also found in states such as Colorado, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, due in part to settlement by Irish immigrants during the 19th century. In Australia, the name is most commonly found in the states of Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

Today, the last name MacAreavy can be found in many countries around the world, both within and outside Ireland. It is most frequently associated with those descended from Irish immigrants, such as those living in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. As these immigration patterns continue, it is likely that the name MacAreavy will become increasingly common in newer parts of the world.

Variations of the surname MacAreavy

The most common variant of the surname MacAreavy is McAreevy. This surname is believed to have two possible origins.

The first is that the name is of Scottish origin, and derived from the Gaelic personal name ‘MacIarla’ which would have been anglicised as MacAreavy or McAreevy. The prefix ‘Mac’ denotes ‘son of’, so the name MacAreavy literally translates to ‘son of Iarla’.

Alternatively, the surname may be of Irish origin. In this case, the name is derived from the Gaelic word ‘O’hEarghaibh’, which when anglicised would become MacAreavy or McAreevy. This would translate to ‘descendant of Erghaibh’, with the prefix ‘O’ also denoting ‘son of’.

Other variants of MacAreavy or McAreevy include MacArvill, MacArvil, MacArevey, MacAreevy, MacArvie, MacArvey, MacAreeve, McAreavy, McCareavy, and MacAreiffe. Alternatively, the name may be spelled with a double ‘c’, as in McCareavy or McCaravy.

In both the Irish and Scottish context, the name would have had similar surnames of the same origin. Scottish surnames include MacArley, MacCarley, MacCarvell and MacErlee. Irish surnames include O’Harvey, O’Harvie, O’Harvagh, O’Harevy and O’Harafey.

Famous people with the name MacAreavy

• Sir John Macaree (1910: 1995) was a British politician and diplomat who served as High Commissioner to Pakistan from 1953 to 1957.
• Phillip Macareavich (1893: 1966) was an American politician who served as the 42nd Mayor of Philadelphia from 1952 to 1956.
• John Macareavy (1868: 1950) was an Irish poet and playwright best known for his ballads.
• Sir Hugh Macareavy (1876: 1942) was a British diplomat who served as High Commissioner in India during the 1930s.
• Paul Macareavy (1878: 1967) was a German film director best known for directing the classic Weimar Republic comedy The Three Fates (1931).
• Nancy Macareavy (born 1974) is an American television producer best known for producing the show Empire which aired from 2015 to 2019.
• Arthur Macareavy (1901: 1996) was an English barrister and judge who served as the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court from 1952 to 1962.
• Laurie Macareavy (1917: 2002) was an Australian artist best known for her seascapes and landscapes.
• George Macareavy (1926: 2004) was an American physicist best known for his work in nuclear physics.
• Robert Macareavy (1928: 1997) was a Belgian industrialist and entrepreneur who was one of the founders of the chemical company Solvay in the 1960s.

Other surnames

MacAready