Surname MacCartair - Meaning and Origin
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MacCartair: What does the surname MacCartair mean?
The last name MacCartair (or MacCarthy, MacCarty, and other variants) is an Irish surname that is associated with its roots in the old Irish Kingdom of Corca Laoidhe. The name comes from the Irish Mac Carthaigh, which means ‘son of Carthach’. Carthach was a descendant of the Ard Ri, or High King, of Ireland named Oilioll Mór.
In medieval times, this branch of the royal family of Ireland held great power and land. This branch of the family was the first to bear the name McCartair. In addition, the MacCarthy clan was one of the few Irish clans to truly benefit from the Norman invasion, as most of the more powerful families were wiped out.
The name MacCartair is derived from the Irish Mac Carthaigh, which reflects the great power and wealth held by the family. The name is also seen in Scotland, and records show that members of the MacCarthy family moved north to Scotland in the 12th century.
Apart from its associations with the old royal family of Ireland, the name MacCartair has strong ties to the traditional Irish culture. The surname itself carries a connection to the Old Irish mythology, as many believe that Cartagh was descended from the Tuatha De Danann, an ancient race of people known for their magical powers. There are also various myths and legends associated with the MacCarthy family that continue to live on today.
Order DNA origin analysisMacCartair: Where does the name MacCartair come from?
The last name MacCartair is most prevalently found in Scotland today. The name is derived from the Gaelic words mac, meaning son, and cartair, meaning chariot. In Scotland, this name can be found throughout many regions, including the Highlands, Shetland Islands, and the Borders.
Within Scotland, the name has been present for centuries. The Clan MacCartair, an ancient Highland Scottish clan, was first recorded in the fourteenth century in a document from the King of Scotland. Originally located in the north of the country, the clan moved to Argyll in the seventeenth century and remains in the region today.
The MacCartair name is still commonly used in Scotland today. Although not frequently found in the Scottish census, people with the name can be found in various countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Brazil, and Australia. In addition, the name is commonly used for businesses in Scotland, including MacCartair Whisky Distillery in Argyll.
Overall, the name MacCartair is most popularly found in Scotland today, but the name is not limited to just the Scottish people, with individuals with the name living in many countries across the globe.
Variations of the surname MacCartair
The surname MacCartair is originally derived from the Irish word Mac Artair, which most likely translates to “son of Arthur” or “son of the one who is like Arthur”. There are several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin as MacCartair including MacCartar, MacCartere, MacCartar, MacCarteret, MacCartney, MacCarte, MacCary, MacCarteir, MacCartyr, MacCartayr, MacCartetr, MacCartier, and MacCarrter.
MacCartair, or MacArtair, is likely derived from the forename Arthur, meaning “bear-man”. The name likely began as a nickname for a man noted for his strength and bravery, similar to the legendary British king, Arthur. Variants, spellings, and surnames of this origin tend to be of Scottish heritage and can be found in counties Down, Derry, Tyrone, and Antrim.
The MacCartair spelling appears to be the most common form of the name, likely because of the use of spellings like MacCarty, McCarty, and Carty in other parts of the world, such as America. For example, an American investigatory journalist, Barbara Carty McKeehawn, descended from the McGarty/MacCartair sept.
The MacCartair spelling is the most recognisable form, although the use of different spellings often served to distinguish branches of a single clan. The prefix Mac is a Gaelic word meaning ‘son of’. It is possible that the most popular alternative surnames of MacCartair are the forms ending in -er and -ere, which suggest a Norman French origin.
Famous people with the name MacCartair
- Liam MacCartair: actor best known for his roles in The Thanksgiving House and The Return Home.
- Tricia MacCartair: actress known for her roles in Law & Order and Bones.
- Ranald MacCartair: member of the folk-rock group The Corries.
- Dugald MacCartair: Scottish poet and novelist.
- Fiona MacCartair: British television and radio presenter.
- Rod MacCartair: independent candidate for the Scottish Green Party in the 2011 Scottish Parliament elections.
- Ewan MacCartair: award-winning Gaelic singer and harpist.
- James MacCartair: British journalist and author.
- Neil MacCartair: Irish footballer who was a part of the Manchester United F.C. from 1990 to 1996.
- Siobhan MacCartair: Irish harpist and singer who has released five albums and toured around the world.