Origin and Meaning of Mccoy

Meaning & Origin

Son of the red-haired one

Origin: Irish - Derived from the Gaelic surname 'Mac Aoidh', where 'Mac' means 'son of' and 'Aoidh' translates to 'fire' or 'red-haired'.

Interesting Facts

  • Mccoy is traditionally a surname that has been adopted as a given name, particularly in English-speaking countries.
  • In Irish culture, surnames often hold significant meaning related to ancestral lineage and characteristics.
  • Notable bearers include Mccoy Tyner, a famous American jazz pianist, and in fiction, the 'Mccoy' character from the 'Star Trek' series, known as Dr. Leonard McCoy.
  • Although traditionally a surname, Mccoy has seen a rise in popularity as a first name in recent decades, particularly in the United States.
  • Variations of Mccoy include the simpler 'Coy' and similar-sounding names like 'McCoy' or 'Macoy'.