The MacEvoys were one of the Seven Septs of Leix the leading members of which were transplanted to Co Kerry in 1609. The lesser clansmen remained in their own territory and Leix is one of the areas in which the name is fairly common today. Another sept Mac Giolla Buidhe, anglicized MacElwee and MacGillowy, shortened Mac a'bhuidhe (MacAvoy or MacEvoy in English) is well known in Co. Donegal and Derry. The name MacEvoy is rare in Connacht now but fairly common in Armagh and Louth.