Mac Amhalghaidh variant forms of the name. A modern variant is Mac Amhalaí. Another is Mac Amhalaidh. Another variant is Mac Amhalghadha. Variant forms of "Mac Amhalghaidh" and "Mac Amhalghadha" include Mag Amhalghaidh and Mag Amhalghadha. "Mac Amhalghaidh" translates into English as "son of "Amhalghaidh"", or "son of "Amhalghadh"". The surname originated as a patronym, however it no longer refers to the actual name of the bearer's father. The personal name "Amhalghaidh", also spelt "Amhalghadh", is an old Gaelic name, and is of uncertain origin and meaning. "Mac Amhalghaidh" is a masculine surname. The form of this surname for unmarried females is
Poland (surname) the examples where the 'Mac' or 'Mc' has been dropped can be explained for several reasons. In English controlled areas of Ireland (especially around The Pale), it was declared that the Irish take on names in an English form and many were required to do so in order to do business with the powers that be, or to obtain a tenancy on English controlled land. Census takers were also allowed to use either form, with or without the Gaelic prefix. It also was not uncommon for the 'Mac' or 'Mc' prefix to simply be incorporated into the surname to result