McCabe is a name of the gallowglass — the famous mercenary warriors who came from the isles of Scotland to fight for the chiefs of Gaelic Ireland.
Where does the McCabe name come from?
McCabe is an anglicised form of the Gaelic Mac Cába. The name is generally understood to come from a word for a cape or hood, perhaps describing the dress of these warriors. The McCabes were a gallowglass family, of mixed Gaelic-Norse descent from the Hebrides, who came to Ireland in the fourteenth century.
The McCabes in Ireland
The family settled as a military sept in the service of the O’Reillys and O’Rourkes of Breifne, and became established in counties Cavan and Monaghan, where the name is still strongly found. As a documented gallowglass name, McCabe is found today across Ireland and among the diaspora in the United States, Canada, Australia and Britain.
Did you know?
- McCabe comes from the Gaelic Mac Cába.
- The name may come from a word for a cape or hood.
- The McCabes were a gallowglass mercenary family.
- They served the O’Reillys and O’Rourkes of Breifne.
- The name is strongly found in Cavan and Monaghan.
Related Irish family names
You may also like McArdle, McCartney, and Barry.
Carry the McCabe name with you
We craft heritage gifts for thousands of Irish and Scottish family names — mugs, woven blankets, ornaments and more. To find yours, type it into the search bar at the top of the page, or browse the McCabe collection here.
Frequently asked questions
Is McCabe an Irish surname?
Yes — McCabe is a gallowglass name, from the Gaelic Mac Cába, long established in counties Cavan and Monaghan.
What does McCabe mean?
It comes from Mac Cába, generally understood from a word for a cape or hood.
Is there a McCabe family crest?
Families of the name have heraldic traditions; the crest and tartan artwork on our McCabe products is created as decorative heritage artwork to celebrate the name.
