Etymology Mac Cába is the original Gaelic form of the surname commonly anglicized as McCabe. It is a patronymic name meaning "son of Cába", where Cába is a byname derived from the word meaning "cape, cloak" or "helmet", ultimately from Latin cappa. The name thus signifies "son of the cloak-wearer" or "son of the helmeted one". Modern Scottish Gaelic equivalents include MacCàba. Historical Origins and Migration The Mac Cába family is believed to have originated in the Western Isles of Scotland. According to historical records, they migrated to Ireland around 1350, settling primarily in County Cavan and surrounding areas. Over time, the surname became more common in Ireland than in Scotland. Today, McCabes (and their Gaelic variants) are found predominantly in the United States, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. Notable Bearers Notable individuals bearing variations of this name include American businessman Charles McCabe, Irish politician John McCabe, Scottish footballer Stewart McCabe, and Irish hurler Mark McCabe. The surname also appears in literature, such as in James Joyce's works. Variants and Related Names Related surnames in other languages and cultures include Chaput (French), derived from Latin cappa meaning "cape", and Capello (Italian), meaning "little cape". The Scottish Gàidhlig form MacCàba is a close parallel. Meaning: "son of Cába" (cape, cloak, helmet) Origin: Irish and Scottish Gaelic Type: Patronymic surname Usage Regions: Ireland, Scotland, United States, United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand