McCoy (surname)
Encyclopedia
McCoy is a common surname
of Irish (Gallowglass
) origin. It is an Anglicisation
of its Irish Gaelic
form Mac Aodha, meaning "son of Aodh" (an old word for Fire
- a Celtic deity). It is particularly found in Ulster
(Counties Antrim
, Armagh
and Monaghan
) where many settled around the 13th century, having been Gallowglasses
, and also in counties Limerick
and Cork
. Aoidh and Mac Aoigh were sometimes Anglicised as Hugh and McHugh.
The origin of the idiom
"the real McCoy
" is unknown
Surname
A surname is a name added to a given name and is part of a personal name. In many cases, a surname is a family name. Many dictionaries define "surname" as a synonym of "family name"...
of Irish (Gallowglass
Gallowglass
The gallowglass or galloglass – from , gallóglach – were an elite class of mercenary warrior who came from Norse-Gaelic clans in the Hebrides and Highlands of Scotland between the mid 13th century and late 16th century...
) origin. It is an Anglicisation
Anglicisation
Anglicisation, or anglicization , is the process of converting verbal or written elements of any other language into a form that is more comprehensible to an English speaker, or, more generally, of altering something such that it becomes English in form or character.The term most often refers to...
of its Irish Gaelic
Irish language
Irish , also known as Irish Gaelic, is a Goidelic language of the Indo-European language family, originating in Ireland and historically spoken by the Irish people. Irish is now spoken as a first language by a minority of Irish people, as well as being a second language of a larger proportion of...
form Mac Aodha, meaning "son of Aodh" (an old word for Fire
Fire
Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material in the chemical process of combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reaction products. Slower oxidative processes like rusting or digestion are not included by this definition....
- a Celtic deity). It is particularly found in Ulster
Ulster
Ulster is one of the four provinces of Ireland, located in the north of the island. In ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for administrative and judicial...
(Counties Antrim
County Antrim
County Antrim is one of six counties that form Northern Ireland, situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland. Adjoined to the north-east shore of Lough Neagh, the county covers an area of 2,844 km², with a population of approximately 616,000...
, Armagh
County Armagh
-History:Ancient Armagh was the territory of the Ulaid before the fourth century AD. It was ruled by the Red Branch, whose capital was Emain Macha near Armagh. The site, and subsequently the city, were named after the goddess Macha...
and Monaghan
County Monaghan
County Monaghan is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Monaghan. Monaghan County Council is the local authority for the county...
) where many settled around the 13th century, having been Gallowglasses
Gallowglass
The gallowglass or galloglass – from , gallóglach – were an elite class of mercenary warrior who came from Norse-Gaelic clans in the Hebrides and Highlands of Scotland between the mid 13th century and late 16th century...
, and also in counties Limerick
County Limerick
It is thought that humans had established themselves in the Lough Gur area of the county as early as 3000 BC, while megalithic remains found at Duntryleague date back further to 3500 BC...
and Cork
County Cork
County Cork is a county in Ireland. It is located in the South-West Region and is also part of the province of Munster. It is named after the city of Cork . Cork County Council is the local authority for the county...
. Aoidh and Mac Aoigh were sometimes Anglicised as Hugh and McHugh.
The origin of the idiom
Idiom
Idiom is an expression, word, or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is comprehended in regard to a common use of that expression that is separate from the literal meaning or definition of the words of which it is made...
"the real McCoy
The Real McCoy
"The real McCoy" is an idiom and metaphor used in much of the English-speaking world to mean "the real thing" or "the genuine article", e.g., "he's the real McCoy"...
" is unknown
Individuals
- Al McCoy (announcer)Al McCoy (announcer)Al McCoy , sometimes nicknamed as The Voice Of The Suns, has been the radio broadcast announcer of Phoenix Suns NBA basketball games since 1972 which makes him the longest tenured broadcaster in the NBA...
, sports broadcaster - Al McCoy (boxer)Al McCoy (boxer)Al McCoy was a boxing world middleweight champion from 1914 to 1917. McCoy’s professional record: 157 bouts — won 99 , lost 40, no-decisions 18.-Biography:...
, (1894–1966), middleweight champion boxer - Alfred W. McCoyAlfred W. McCoyAlfred William McCoy is a historian of Southeast Asia. He is the J.R.W. Smail Professor of History at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. McCoy graduated from the Kent School in 1964. He earned his B.A...
, American author and scholar of the Asian heroin drug trade - Alice McCoy (Politician)Alice McCoy (Politician)Alice Lucille McCoy lives in Rapid City, South Dakota. Married to James McCoy, they have two children: Steven McCoy and Kimberly McCoy. She was a Republican State Representative from District 35 in Pennington County, South Dakota from 1999 to 2006. She lists her occupation as child care...
, member of the South Dakota House of Representatives. - Andy McCoyAndy McCoyAntti Hulkko , better known as Andy McCoy, is a Finnish musician. He is most famous for his role as the lead guitarist and main songwriter of Hanoi Rocks, but has also played with Iggy Pop....
, Finnish guitarist of Hanoi RocksHanoi RocksHanoi Rocks was a Finnish rock band formed in 1979, whose most successful period came in the early 1980s. The band broke up in 1985 after the death of their drummer, Nicholas "Razzle" Dingley... - Barry M. McCoyBarry M. McCoyBarry M. McCoy is an American physicist, known for his contributions to classical statistical mechanics, integrable models and conformal field theories.He earned a B.Sc. from California Institute of Technology ,and a Ph.D...
, American physicist - Carl McCoyCarl McCoyCarl McCoy is the frontman for gothic rock band Fields of the Nephilim.-Biography:The band formed in the 1984. Following on from two EPs, their first album Dawnrazor was released in 1987...
, musician - Charles A. McCoy, Jr., who committed the 2003 Ohio highway sniper attacksOhio highway sniper attacksThe Ohio highway sniper attacks were a series of 24 sniper attacks along Interstate 270 and other nearby highways in the central part of the U.S. state of Ohio against traffic and homes. The shootings began in May 2003 and continued for several months...
- Charlie McCoyCharlie McCoyCharles "Charlie" Ray McCoy is an American musician noted for his harmonica playing. In his career, McCoy has backed several notable musicians including Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Tom Astor, Elvis Presley and Ween. He has also recorded thirty-seven studio albums, including fourteen for Monument Records...
, (1941-), American musician - Colt McCoyColt McCoyDaniel "Colt" McCoy is an American football quarterback for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Browns in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft...
, (1986-), American football quarterback - Edward McCoy, (1994-), Athlete
- Elaine McCoyElaine McCoyElaine McCoy, QC, BA, LL.B is a Canadian senator from Alberta. She has been the last remaining member of the Canadian Senate to sit as a Progressive Conservative since the retirement of Senator Lowell Murray on September 26, 2011.-Senate of Canada:Senator McCoy was appointed to the Senate by...
, (1946-), Canadian senator - Elijah McCoyElijah McCoyElijah J. McCoy was a Canadian-American inventor and engineer, who was notable for his 57 U.S. patents, most to do with lubrication of steam engines. His family returned to the United States in 1847, where he lived for the rest of his life and became a US citizen.- Early life and education:Elijah J...
, (1844-1929), inventor, automatic machinery lubricator, lawn sprinkler - Ernie McCoyErnie McCoyErnie McCoy was an American racecar driver.-Indy 500 results:-World Championship career summary:...
, Formula One driver - Ethel Bergstresser McCoyEthel Bergstresser McCoyEthel Bergstresser McCoy , of New York City, was a philatelist who created a number of stamp collections, and was active within the philatelic community.-Collecting interests:...
(1893-1980), of New York City - Frederick McCoyFrederick McCoySir Frederick McCoy, KCMG, FRS was an Irish palaeontologist and museum administrator, active in Australia.-Early life:McCoy was the son of Dr Simon McCoy, M.D. and was born in Dublin; some sources have his year of birth as 1823, but 1817 is the most likely...
, (1823-1899), British palaeontologist - Gary T. McCoy, (1969-), America technology entrepreneur
- Garry McCoyGarry McCoyGarry McCoy is a professional motorcycle racer. He has won races in the 125 cc and 500 cc World Championships, as well as in the Superbike World Championship. He is noted for his oversteering style of riding, earning him the nickname "The Slide King".McCoy was born in Sydney...
, (1972-), Australian motorcycle racer - George McCoy, author of a guide to sexual services in Britain
- Gerald McCoyGerald McCoyMcCoy was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 3rd overall pick of the 2010 NFL Draft. McCoy and the Buccaneers agreed to a five-year, $63 million contract on July 31, 2010.-Tampa Bay Buccaneers:...
, American football player - Henry McCoy, fictional Marvel character from the X-Men
- Horace McCoyHorace McCoyHorace McCoy was an American writer whose hardboiled novels took place during the Great Depression. His best-known novel is They Shoot Horses, Don't They? , which was made into a movie of the same name in 1969, fourteen years after McCoy's death.-Early life:McCoy was born in Pegram, Tennessee...
, (1897-1955), American writer - Jason McCoyJason McCoyJason McCoy is a Canadian singer/songwriter who performs country music.He was born in Barrie, Ontario and was raised for a time in Camrose, Alberta before his family settled in Anten Mills, Ontario.He has won many awards including the 2001 Male Vocalist of the Year at the Canadian Country Music...
, (1970-), Canadian singer/songwriter - Jason L. McCoyJason L. McCoyJason L. McCoy is the Mayor of Vernon, Connecticut, and a lawyer. McCoy was elected to his first term in 2007. In 2009, McCoy was re-elected as mayor. He had served on the Vernon Town Council and was the Deputy Mayor of Vernon from 2005 to 2007. In 2009, McCoy was one of six mayors in Connecticut...
, (1971- ), Attorney, Mayor of the Town of Vernon, ConnecticutVernon, ConnecticutVernon is a town in Tolland County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 29,179 at the 2010 census.Vernon was incorporated in October, 1808, from Bolton. Vernon contains the former city of Rockville, incorporated in January, 1889. The town of Vernon and city of Rockville consolidated as a...
Politician - Joseph McCoyJoseph McCoyJoseph "Cowboy" McCoy was a 19th century cattle baron.Born in Sangamon county, Illinois, he is often cited as the inspiration for the phrase "The Real McCoy" because of his reputation and reliability and because he referred to himself by that phrase Joseph "Cowboy" McCoy (December 21, 1837 –...
, 19th century cattle baron cited as the inspiration for the phrase "The Real McCoy" - Kansas Joe McCoyKansas Joe McCoyKansas Joe McCoy was an African American Delta blues musician and songwriter.-Career:McCoy played music under a variety of stage names but is best known as "Kansas Joe McCoy". Born in Raymond, Mississippi, he was the older brother of the blues accompanist Papa Charlie McCoy...
, (1905-1950), American musician - Kevin McCoy (artist), (1967-), American artist
- Kevin McCoy (rector)Kevin McCoy (rector)Kevin C. McCoy, is a Roman Catholic priest, originally of the Diocese of Sioux City, Iowa. He was born at Jefferson, Iowa, on April 24, 1954, attended Loras College and the North American College in Rome, and was ordained July 25, 1981, at Jefferson. He was Chancellor of the Diocese of Sioux City...
, rector of the Pontifical North American CollegePontifical North American CollegeThe Pontifical North American College is a Roman Catholic educational institution in Rome, Italy educating seminarians for the dioceses in the United States and providing a residence for American priests studying in Rome. It was founded in 1859 by Blessed Pope Pius IX and was granted pontifical...
. - Kid McCoyKid McCoyCharles "Kid" McCoy, who was born Norman Selby was an American world champion boxer.-Overview:Born in Moscow, Rush County, Indiana, McCoy would eventually weigh 160 pounds, stand 5' 11", and go on to a record 81 wins...
, (1872-1940), boxer (born Norman Selby) - Leonard McCoyLeonard McCoyLeonard "Bones" McCoy is a character in the Star Trek media franchise. First portrayed by DeForest Kelley in the original Star Trek series, McCoy also appears in the animated Star Trek series, seven Star Trek movies, the pilot episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, and in numerous books,...
, fictional doctor in Star TrekStar TrekStar Trek is an American science fiction entertainment franchise created by Gene Roddenberry. The core of Star Trek is its six television series: The Original Series, The Animated Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise... - LeRon McCoyLeRon McCoyLeRon Terrell McCoy is a former American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
, (1982-), American football wide receiver - LeSean McCoyLeSean McCoy-Philadelphia Eagles:McCoy was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract with the team on June 29, 2009....
, (1988-), American football running back - Mary Helen McCoy, World known French Antique Dealer
- Matt McCoy (actor)Matt McCoy (actor)Matt McCoy is an American actor.McCoy was born in Ohio. Since starring as Sgt. Nick Lassard in two Police Academy films, his motion picture credits have included the Curtis Hanson films The Hand That Rocks the Cradle and L.A. Confidential , as well as the action comedy National Security ...
- Matt McCoy (American football), (1982-), American football linebacker
- Matt McCoy (Iowa politician)Matt McCoy (Iowa politician)Matthew W. "Matt" McCoy is the Iowa State Senator from the 31st District, which is composed of south and southwest Des Moines. A Democrat, McCoy has served in the Iowa Senate since 1997....
, member of the Iowa SenateIowa SenateThe Iowa Senate is the upper house of the Iowa General Assembly. There are 50 members of the Senate, representing 50 single-member districts across the state with populations of approximately 59,500 per constituency. Each Senate district is composed of two House districts... - Mike McCoy (disambiguation), multiple people
- Paul McCoyPaul McCoyPaul McCoy is an American musician. He is the lead singer and main-songwriter of Louisiana post-grunge band 12 Stones.-Biography:...
, musician - Papa Charlie McCoyPapa Charlie McCoyCharles "Papa Charlie" McCoy was an African American delta blues musician and songwriter.-Career:Born in Jackson, Mississippi, McCoy was best known by the nickname 'Papa Charlie'. He became one of the major blues accompanists of his time...
, (1909-1950), American musician - Richard McCoy, Jr.Richard McCoy, Jr.Richard Floyd McCoy, Jr. was an American aircraft hijacker.McCoy hijacked a United Airlines passenger jet for ransom in 1972. Due to a similar modus operandi, law enforcement officials named McCoy as a suspect for the still-unidentified "D. B...
, airplane hijacker - Rico McCoyRico McCoyRico McCoy is an American football linebacker for the Edmonton Eskimos. He played collegiate football with the Tennessee Volunteers and was considered one of the best linebacker prospects available for the 2010 NFL Draft, drawing comparisons to Derrick Brooks...
, American football player - Robert Bruce McCoyRobert Bruce McCoyRobert Bruce McCoy was a General in the National Guard in the early 20th century. He is most well known for having Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, formerly Camp McCoy, named after him.-Biography:...
, United States National Guard officer - Robert McCoyRobert McCoyRobert McCoy was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania.Robert McCoy born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania . He served as prothonotary of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania...
, member of the United States House of RepresentativesUnited States House of RepresentativesThe United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution... - Robert P. McCoy, director of Space Science Team at ONR
- Steve McCoySteve McCoySteve McCoy is an American radio personality best known for his show with Vikki Locke in Atlanta, Georgia for over 18 years. The duo was twice nominated for the Marconi Award. McCoy came to Atlanta in 1981 to work at legendary top 40 WZGC FM...
, radio morning show host - Sullivan McCoy, creator of McCoy's crisps
- Sylvester McCoySylvester McCoySylvester McCoy is a Scottish actor. As a comic act and busker he appeared regularly on stage and on BBC Children's television in the 1970s and 80s, but is best known for playing the seventh incarnation of the Doctor in the long-running science fiction television series Doctor Who from 1987 to...
, (1943-), British actor - Tim McCoyTim McCoyCol. Tim McCoy was an American actor, military officer, and expert on American Indian life and customs.-Early years:...
, (1891-1978), American actor - Tony McCoyTony McCoyAnthony Peter McCoy OBE , commonly known as A. P. McCoy or Tony McCoy, is a Northern Irish horse racing jockey....
, Irish National HuntNational Hunt racingNational Hunt racing is the official name given to the sport of horse racing in the United Kingdom, France and Ireland in which the horses are required to jump over obstacles called hurdles or fences...
jockey - Travis McCoy, member of the rap group Gym Class HeroesGym Class HeroesGym Class Heroes is an American hip hop rock band from Geneva, New York. They have collaborated with Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump on numerous occasions, notably for providing backing vocals on the song "Cupid's Chokehold." Stump also produced the majority of their album The Quilt.The group formed...
- Van McCoyVan McCoyVan Allen Clinton McCoy was an accomplished musician, music producer, arranger, songwriter, and orchestra conductor. He is known best for his 1975 internationally successful song "The Hustle", which is still played in dance halls and on radio to this day more than thirty years since his death...
, music producer and songwriterSongwriterA songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer... - Walter R. McCoyWalter R. McCoyWalter R. McCoy , of New York City, was an advocate of the hobby of stamp collecting and created award winning collections of his own...
(1880-1952), of New York City - William S. McCoyWilliam S. McCoyWilliam Frederick McCoy , also known as "Bill" McCoy, was an American sea captain and rum runner smuggler during the Prohibition in the United States. In pursuing the trade of smuggling alcohol from the Bahamas to the Eastern Seaboard, Capt...
, American rum-runner
Use in fiction
- Alice McCoy (Digimon), a character in Digimon Tamers
- Dr. Henry "Hank" P. McCoy, aka 'BeastBeast (comics)Beast , Dr. Henry Philip "Hank" McCoy, is a comic book character, a Marvel Comics superhero and a member of the mutant team of superheroes known as the X-Men...
' from Marvel Comics' X-Men - Jack McCoyJack McCoyJohn James "Jack" McCoy is a fictional character in the television drama Law & Order, created by Michael S. Chernuchin and played by Sam Waterston since 1994. He is the second-longest tenured character on the show, after Lt. Anita Van Buren . On January 28, 2009, McCoy's character ended the longest...
, a character in Law & Order TV series - Leonard McCoyLeonard McCoyLeonard "Bones" McCoy is a character in the Star Trek media franchise. First portrayed by DeForest Kelley in the original Star Trek series, McCoy also appears in the animated Star Trek series, seven Star Trek movies, the pilot episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, and in numerous books,...
, a doctor on Star Trek: The Original Series - Sherman McCoy, a character in The Bonfire of the VanitiesThe Bonfire of the VanitiesThe Bonfire of the Vanities is a 1987 novel by Tom Wolfe. The story is a drama about ambition, racism, social class, politics, and greed in 1980s New York City and centers on four main characters: WASP bond trader Sherman McCoy, Jewish assistant district attorney Larry Kramer, British expatriate...
- Danny McCoy, a character in Las Vegas, a TV series
- Josie McCoy (sometimes referred to as "Josie James" and less frequently "Josie Jones"), a character in the Josie and the Pussycats franchise.
- Ray McCoy, the main character of the 1997 video game Blade Runner.
- Elliot McCoy,