Macoy is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic name 'Macoimhe', which means 'son of fair-haired'. The name has been passed down through generations in Scotland and has become popular throughout the English-speaking world.
The earliest known use of the name Macoy dates back to medieval Scotland. It was often given as a surname, but over time it evolved into a given name as well. The name gained prominence during the Victorian era when many Scottish families chose to use traditional Gaelic names for their children.
One notable figure with the name Macoy is Scottish poet and songwriter Robert Burns. Although his middle name was 'Brien', he was known by the affectionate nickname 'Macoy' among friends and family members. This further popularized the name in Scotland and beyond.
Today, Macoy remains a relatively uncommon but distinctive name. It is often chosen for its unique sound and Scottish heritage. Despite its Gaelic origins, the name Macoy has been embraced by families from various backgrounds and cultures around the world.
The name Macoy experienced a significant increase in popularity from the late 1990s to the early 2020s, with a peak of 36 births in 2020, and an overall total of 515 births over these years.