All about the name

Mccoy

Male

« McCoy is a Scottish-Irish surname derived from the Gaelic Mac Aodha, meaning "son of fire". »

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Meaning, origin, history

McCoy is a surname of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic Mac Aodha, which means "son of Aodh". Aodh was a popular Irish god of fire and light, and his name means "fire" or "noble". The McCoy clan originally came from the Isle of Arran in Scotland, but they later migrated to Ulster in Northern Ireland. The surname McCoy has been prominent throughout history. In the 14th century, there was a notable Scottish knight named Sir Thomas McCoy who fought alongside Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn. During the Irish Potato Famine of the 19th century, many McCoys emigrated to North America and Australia, where they continue to be found today. Today, McCoy is still a common surname in Ireland, Scotland, and other parts of the world with significant Scottish-Irish populations. It is often anglicized to McCoy or MacCoy, but it retains its original Gaelic meaning and heritage. In summary, McCoy is a strong and ancient Scottish surname with Irish roots, derived from the Gaelic Mac Aodha. Its meaning, "son of fire," reflects the power and strength associated with the clan throughout history. Despite its historic importance, there are no holidays or specific personality traits directly linked to the name McCoy itself.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Mccoy since 1880

Total births
4,000
Total since 1880
Peak year
2021
292 births
in 2023
225
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+68%
vs previous 5 years