Surname Mackrel - Meaning and Origin
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Mackrel: What does the surname Mackrel mean?
The surname Mackrel (or Mackerel) is an occupational surname indicating a person involved in the fishing or sales of the fish of the same name. The surname derives from the Middle English "maqueron" or "mackerell" which refers to a type of small fish. This type of fish was an important source of sustenance and income for many people in various parts of the world, including throughout Britain.
The surname Mackrel is believed to have first appeared in Scotland and Northern England around the 12th century when fishermen would adopt Mackerel as their surname. The name spread to other areas of the British Isles and can still be found today, particularly in coastal areas with a strong fishing heritage. In Ireland, the surname is believed to have originated when Scotland-based Mackerels were forced to flee to Ireland due to persecution during the Plantation of Ulster.
The name Mackrel is equally popular as a first or last name. It has been regularly used as a first name since the 18th century, particularly in the United Kingdom. The name has also been included in the top 100 most popular baby names in Scotland with the name Mackenzie being the preferred spelling.
Mackrel is an uncommon name, particularly in the United States. It may also be spelled as Makrerl or Makrell, depending on the origin. The origin of the name can be quite varied and the meaning of the name can depend on the region and the culture in which it originates.
Order DNA origin analysisMackrel: Where does the name Mackrel come from?
The last name Mackrel is most common today in Britain, Ireland, and Canada. In the United Kingdom, the highest population of Mackrels is found in Scotland, with other notable concentrations in London; England as a whole is home to 2,362 Mackrels. The name is also common in Ireland, particularly in County Donegal and County Kerry, where the first Mackrels were believed to have settled. In Canada, the surname is particularly widespread in Nova Scotia, with smaller concentrations throughout Ontario, New Brunswick, and other provinces.
Outside of these areas, the last name has scattered presence in Europe, the United States, and other regions of the world. In the United States, Mackrels are believed to have first settled in Virginia and Pennsylvania, and are found today in many other states, as well as in the District of Columbia. The last name Mackrel is also known to be present in Argentina, Australia, and other parts of the world, albeit less frequently.
Mackrels commonly have occupations such as fishers, seafarers, and merchants. During the 18th century, many Mackrels left Scotland and Ireland to pursue new lives in America and Canada, in search of religious and economic freedom. Today, the surname is still relatively common amongst those of British Isles ancestry, with many Mackrels living in or around its original birthplace of Scotland.
Variations of the surname Mackrel
Mackrel is an English surname of occupational origin, derived from "mackerel", the name of a fish with an oily flesh. Variants of Mackrel include Maketon, Makrell, Mackroul, Makrell, Maklamore, Makrel and Makston. As surnames developed, Mackrel was further modified to become Mackerell, Makkerell, Makrel, Makerell, Mamrell and Markell.
Spelling variations were common among Old English names and reflect their Latin and French influences. It's important to consider variant spellings when doing genealogical research. Different spellings of a particular surname often suggested that a person was originally from a different region or country.
Mackrel also can be found as a surname in Scotland, derived from the Gaelic "Mac Eaghaill". This could mean either "son of Eagaill" or "son of an Anglishman."
The Irish Mackrel surname is derived from the Gaelic "Mac Giolla Riabhaigh" meaning "son of Riabhaigh". Riabhaigh was an ancient Irish personal name meaning "king's astronomer". The Scottish Mackrel surname may also have been derived from the Irish name.
In addition to the main variants of Mackrel, there are other variations, such as Makary, Macarell, Mccarrel, Macerrell, issued by the Macarell, McCarel, Macerrell, Mcarrel, Macray, Macra, Macraey, Mackayla, Makarela and Macharrell families. The Irish Mackrell family may have descended from the Norman surnames Mescrael, Mescarill or Machiel, meaning "son of Jacques."
One final variant of the Mackrel surname is Makar, which is derived from "MacEarcaille" meaning "son of Ercaille". Ercaille was an Irish personal name meaning "spearman" or "soldier".
Famous people with the name Mackrel
- Tom Mackrel: former professional basketball player
- Wayne Mackrel: former NFL player
- Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson: drummer for the hip hop band The Roots
- Kiefer Sutherland: actor
- Clarence Mackrel: former NFL player
- Joel Mackrel: Major League Baseball pitcher
- David Mackrel: Major League Baseball pitcher
- Bill Mackrel: former professional hockey player
- DeLisha Milton-Jones: retired WNBA player
- Chris Mackrel: former NFL player