Meaning & History
Keys 2 is an Irish surname that originated as an Anglicized form of Mac Aodha. The prefix Mac means "son of," and Aodh is an Old Irish male given name meaning "fire" (from Old Irish Áed). Therefore, the surname literally denotes "son of Aodh."
Etymology
The Irish patronymic Mac Aodha was historically widespread in Ireland and Scotland. The name Aodh itself was borne by numerous figures in Irish mythology, including Aodh son of Lir, a tragic figure in the Children of Lir legend, and several early kings of Ireland. Following the Anglo-Norman conquest and centuries later the forced Anglicization of Irish surnames under British rule, many bearers of Mac Aodha adopted simplified English spellings. Among these was Keys, which emerged along with other variants like Key 2, Keyes 2, and Magee.
Cultural Significance
In Irish genealogy, the Mac Aodha sept belonged to the larger Uí Néill territory, centered in CountyLondonderry and parts of County Donegal. After the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century, many dispersed the surname. The anglicized forms are common in the diaspora, particularly in Canada and the United States.
- Meaning: Son of Aodh ('fire')
- Origin: Irish (Gaelic)
- Type: Patronymic surname
- Usage regions: Ireland, Scotland, United Kingdoiom, IrelandoAmerican