The meaning of me

Posted by maca on October 27, 2006 Leave a comment (5) Go to comments

Just got an interesting (to me) email a short while ago. I hope the young lady in question doesn’t mind me posting it here.

The email:

Twenty three yrs ago, the first clear word out of my two yr old grandaughter mouth, was “Maca”, as she looked at me. I’m still trying to find the origin/meaning of the word. As a well known folk singer years ago, I was particularly drawn by the Irish/scottish celtic, The histories, bairds, poets and old music. Over twenty three years I’ve sung these songs to four Grandkids. Can you give me some info? I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks, from a **/**/** bloodline, without an ounce of Gaelic blood from anywhere down the line. I think that it’s Magik.

Sincerely,
XY

My reply:

Hello X

Thanks for your interesting email. I have no idea where “maca” comes from or if it means anything … I use it because it’s the beginning of my surname in Irish, MacAonghusa.

The word “mac” is an Irish (Gaelic) word meaning “son”, so my surname MacAonghusa means “son of Aonghus”.

“Maca” is also a root from Peru which is used to increase sperm count, and sexual desire . Not that I know much about that you understand!! Ahem. Anyway …

So apart from the Peruvian libido enhancing root and my internet handle I doubt it means much. A search on etymonline.com and dictionary.com yielded nothing and a search on Wikipedia brings us back to the root … which I don’t need, I tell ya!!

Sorry I couldn’t be of more help!
maca

Ok, maybe it doesn’t interest you but I’m at a loose end tonight so tough!
If you’ve ever heard the term “maca” before please feel free to enlighten us and help XY solve this 23 year old puzzle. GRMA!

Seafóid
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5 Comments.

  1. Cionaodh October 27, 2006 at 7:12 pm

    An untrained ear might think “Macha” was “maca”. The former has a bit more significance, both in Irish (mythology/legend) and in other languages.

  2. Devin October 28, 2006 at 3:34 am

    Everyone with with a surname beginning with “Mc” or “Mac” in Limerick gets called “Maca”.Every second person in Limerick is a McNamara or a McCarthy so I heard it everywherer.I’ve even continued the pratice in the States with a Jamaican coworker.

    Arse…..forgot the maths.

  3. maca October 31, 2006 at 2:43 pm

    True Cionaodh, I thought of that alright and sent “XY” on a few relevant links.

    Devin,
    In Longford it was always just “Mac”, which always drove me mad, I don’t like being named after a jacket.

  4. Gerry O'Sullivan October 31, 2006 at 4:18 pm

    In Longford it was always just “Mac”, which always drove me mad, I don’t like being named after a jacket.

    Surely it would be a privilege to be named after a superior computer? ;-)

  5. maca October 31, 2006 at 4:41 pm

    I’m cursed I tell ya!!