McCabe
An Irish and Scottish surname meaning “son of Cabe,” with Cabe likely a short Gaelic nickname for a branch, lump, or similar object.
The #1,154 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 10,156 Americans shares it.
Etymology
McCabe is a patronymic surname built on Gaelic Mac, meaning “son of,” plus the personal name or nickname Cabe. A 19th-century source explains Cabe from Gaelic caob, which could mean a bough, branch, clod, lump, or a small piece of something; another possible explanation links it with céap, “the top of a hill” or “a signpost.” In either case, the name began as “son of Cabe,” with Cabe itself probably coming from a nickname rather than a formal given name.
History
The surname is strongly associated with Ireland, especially Ulster, and also appears in Scottish records. Historical Irish surname studies record MacCabe early, and later bearers preserved the name in both Irish and emigrant communities. In modern usage it is well established in Ireland, Scotland, and the wider English-speaking diaspora.
Origin
Regions
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Fun fact
Historical surname lists show McCabe as a longstanding name rather than a modern spelling invention, with recorded forms appearing in 19th-century genealogical compilations and earlier Irish surname studies.
From the historical record
“McBKIDE. The son of Bride (which see). McCABE. The son of Cabe. Caob, Gaelic, a bough, branch, a clod, lump, a bit or piece of any thing. Ceap, the top of a hill, a sign set up in time of battle. McCAMUS. The son of Camus (which see). McCALLEK The son or descendants of Callen or Colin. This name was given to the…”
— An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names