Summary

The surname McKee is of Scottish and Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name 'Mac Aodha', meaning 'son of Aodh'. The name Aodh was a common given name in ancient Ireland and Scotland. The McKee family has a rich history that can be traced back several centuries.
There are
44137
Mckees in the USA
Mckee is the
780th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Mckee

FrankMcKee

Frank McKee was a Canadian politician and Minister of Railways and Canals in the early 1900s. He played a crucial role in the development of Canada's transportation infrastructure.

JohnMcKee

John McKee was an Irish nationalist politician and member of the Irish Parliamentary Party in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He served as a Member of Parliament for South Armagh.

DesmondMcKee

Desmond McKee is a British journalist and television presenter, known for his work on investigative journalism and documentary programs.

CatherineMcKee

Catherine McKee is an American actress, known for her roles in various television shows and films, including 'The West Wing' and 'The Devil Wears Prada.'

DavidMcKee

David McKee is a British author and illustrator, best known for creating the popular children's book character 'Elmer the Patchwork Elephant.'

MaryMcKee

Mary McKee is an American politician and former First Lady of Hawaii. She is the wife of former Governor Linda Lingle.

WilliamMcKee

William McKee is a Scottish footballer who played as a goalkeeper for various clubs, including Rangers and Scotland national team.

RachelMcKee

Rachel McKee is an Australian actress and model, known for her appearances in numerous television commercials and fashion campaigns.

GeorgeMcKee

George McKee is an American sculptor and artist known for his large-scale public sculptures and installations.

MargaretMcKee

Margaret McKee was an Irish suffragette and women's rights activist who played a prominent role in the Irish suffrage movement.

Mckee Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'McKee' is of Scottish and Irish origin. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name 'Mac Aodha,' which means 'son of Aodh,' or 'Mac Aodhagain,' which means 'son of Aodhagán.' Aodh is a Gaelic name meaning 'fire' or 'fiery.' The surname likely originated as a patronymic surname, indicating descent from a male ancestor named Aodh or Aodhagán.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'McKee' is most commonly found in Scotland, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is particularly prevalent in areas where Scottish and Irish immigrants settled or where their descendants migrated to.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'McKee' include 'MacKee,' 'MacKay,' 'MacAfee,' 'McKay,' and 'McAfee.' These variations may be the result of different anglicized spellings or regional dialects.
Migration and ImmigrationMany people with the surname 'McKee' migrated from Scotland and Ireland to various parts of the English-speaking world, particularly during periods of economic hardship, political unrest, and forced evictions, such as the Highland Clearances in Scotland and the Great Famine in Ireland. They sought better opportunities and a new life in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.