"The Book of Mackay" has a lot of genealogy in it an is very useful as a structure to the Mackay Clan. However, many of the people who lived under the 'banner' of the Mackay Clan took on the name Mackay but were not related directly to the families of clan leaders, although over time the there were marriage and family links. The origin of the name goes back perhaps 800 years or so and in gaelic is spelt 'MhicAoidh" apparently meaning 'son of fire'. So the translation of the name to English is subject to various versions and interpretations although Mackay is most common in England, Scotland, NZ and Australia and maybe North America as well. This name is is subject to pronounciation differences. The city of Mackay in Queensland is pronounced 'Mac–kie'. With widespread immigration to the new worlds the name was carried by mouth and sound more often as many immigrants could not read or write. This no doubt led to some changes in spelling as the sound of the name was reinterpreted in spelling thousands of miles and centuries of time from the names' origins. So it is no wonder there are variations of spelling of the name. The name Mckay is common too particularly in Ireland and I do not know if this has had a similar origin or something separate. The name McCoy is common in the US and this version could have similar origins or something different. All said and done a great topic to discuss and argue about over whisky and a long evening.
