Find out how popular the first name Magee has been for the last 15 years (from 1978 to 1992) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Magee by gender

Based on the last 15 years of data, Magee is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1992, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Magee.

The history of the first name Magee

The name Magee has its origins in the Irish language, derived from the Gaelic word "Mag" meaning "plain" or "field." It is believed to have first emerged as a surname in the early medieval period, likely around the 9th or 10th century.

The name's roots can be traced back to the ancient Celtic tribes that inhabited Ireland, particularly in the regions of Ulster and Connacht. It is thought to have been initially used as a descriptive term to identify individuals who lived or worked in open fields or plains.

While the name Magee does not appear prominently in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it is closely associated with the rich cultural heritage of Ireland. The earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in medieval Irish annals and genealogical records, which document individuals bearing the name Magee or variations such as Mag Aodha (meaning "son of Aodh").

One of the earliest notable figures with the name Magee was Dáibhí Mag Aodha, a 15th-century Irish poet and historian from County Fermanagh. His works, which include the "Annals of Ulster," provide valuable insights into the historical and cultural landscape of medieval Ireland.

Another prominent individual bearing the name was Seán Mag Aodha (1572-1627), a Catholic priest and scholar from County Tyrone. He played a significant role in the Irish Confederate Wars of the 17th century and was known for his writings on Irish history and language.

In the 18th century, Hugh Magee (1709-1778) was a notable Irish-American Presbyterian minister and educator. He founded the Magee College in Londonderry, Ireland, which later became part of the University of Ulster.

During the 19th century, John Magee (1794-1868) made a name for himself as a prominent Irish poet and songwriter. His works, such as "The Rakes of Mallow," captured the spirit of Irish culture and became popular folk songs.

In more recent times, Patrick Magee (1922-2014) was a renowned Irish actor known for his roles in films like "The Crying Game" and "Masque of the Red Death." He received numerous accolades throughout his career, including a British Academy Film Award and a Golden Globe nomination.

The name Magee has a rich history deeply rooted in the cultural and linguistic traditions of Ireland. While its origins can be traced back to ancient times, it has endured through the centuries, carried by individuals who have left their mark across various fields, from literature and academia to the arts and beyond.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Magee was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Magee, please contact us.

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