The spelling of the word "McAbee" is unique and its pronunciation can be somewhat difficult to decipher for those unfamiliar with its phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced as "mə-" with a schwa sound, followed by the voiced consonants "k" and "b" pronounced as /kəˈbi/. The second syllable is pronounced as "ee" with a long vowel sound, resulting in /məˈkəbi/. Overall, the spelling of "McAbee" reflects its Scottish origin and can be traced back to the ancient Gaelic language.
The word "macabee" or "maccabee" has its etymology rooted in Hebrew. It originated from the Hebrew word "makkabi" (מכבי), which itself is an adjective formed from the Hebrew root "kavah" (קב"ה), meaning "to pound" or "to strike". The term "macabee" was used to refer to the members of the Jewish rebel army led by Judas Maccabeus during the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. Over time, the term "macabee" became synonymous with bravery, heroism, and determination, and it has been widely used in Jewish culture as a symbol of resistance and defiance against oppression.