Surname MacLardle - Meaning and Origin

MacLardle: What does the surname MacLardle mean?

The surname MacLardle is an anglicized variation of the Irish surname Mac Giolla Lardaille, meaning “son of the disciple of Lardaille.” This surname is derived from the Irish words “mac” meaning “son” and “giolla” meaning “devotee” or “follower” along with the personal name “Lardaille” which was a popular eleventh century Irish name. While the exact Gaelic origin of this name is uncertain, the most common theories suggest that it has its roots in either the Gaelic phrase “mac Giolla Fhlathaill” meaning “son of the follower of St. Flathail” or the Gaelic phrase “mac Giolla Raghnaill” meaning “son of the follower of Raghnall.”

Although the first recorded MacLardle families migrated to Scotland from Ireland in the 1700's, there is evidence that the name was likely in use in Scotland as early as the 15th century. During this time, several families with the name MacLardle can be found in the areas surrounding Glasgow and Ayrshire.

Since its appearance in the 15th century, MacLardle has remained a relatively common surname in both Scotland and Ireland, although with spellings which vary widely. Common variants of this Gaelic surname include: McLardle, McLardale, McLardell, McLeardle, MacLardie, MacLeardle and MacLardel.

MacLardle: Where does the name MacLardle come from?

The surname MacLardle is most commonly found today in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is an Irish Anglicized version of the Gaelic name Mac Giolla Ardghail, derived from the words “giolla'' meaning “servant” and “ardghail” meaning “noble leader”. The MacLardle name first appeared in records in County Leitrim during the 16th century as MacLardall, a patronymic form of the name. Other variants include MacLardel, MacLardell, and MacLardall.

The MacLardles are most numerous in Northern Ireland’s Derry and Mid-Ulster districts, as well as Clare, Monaghan, Donegal, Leitrim, and Cavan in Ireland. It is also present in large numbers in the English counties of Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset. Other countries where the name has a presence include United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa.

MacLardle is not a very common surname, and its exact origin and history remain largely a mystery. However, many records and historical documents suggest that the name is of Scottish origin, with its origin within the Clan of MacLardle. Records from the 16th century detail the exploits of Alexander M’Lardly, a soldier of Fergus M’Lardle, the “chief of the name of M’Lardle”. These references provide an indication of the name’s presence in Scotland during early times.

In summary, the MacLardle surname is most commonly found today in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and in smaller numbers in several other countries across the world. It is an old surname of Scottish origin, with historical references to the Clan MacLardle providing hints to its presence in Scotland during the 16th century.

Variations of the surname MacLardle

Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname MacLardle are MacLardie, McLardy, McLardie, McLardey, McLardle, McLairde, and McLard.

The MacLardle name, which is an ancient Scottish surname, comes from the Gaelic Mac na Leirrdealbhaig, meaning "son of the servant of the bishop."

The Gaelic form of the name was usually pronounced "MacLardey", which became anglicized to MacLardle, McLardy, and McLardle. Other variants on the name were McLardey and McLardie.

The MacLardle/McLardy spelling also began to be anglicized to McLairde and McLard in the 19th century.

Variations of the MacLardle name can also be found in other countries such as Ireland and England. In Ireland, McLaury is the anglicized version of the name MacLaurdealbhach, meaning "Son of the Steward of the Churchlands.” In England, MacLardle tends to be spelled as McLard or McLardle.

The MacLardle/McLardy surname is still fairly common in Scotland, Ireland, England and other countries, although the variations are often used interchangeably.

Famous people with the name MacLardle

• Seán MacLardle: Irish professional football manager and former player
• Brighid MacLardle: Irish camogie player
• Glen MacLardle: Australian speedway rider
• Michael MacLardle: Former Lord Mayor of Dublin
• John MacLardle: Irish poet and fiction writer
• Margaret MacLardle: Former President of the International Federation of Teacher's Union
• Nicholas MacLardle: Irish actor
• Matthew MacLardle: American chef and restaurateur
• Shannon MacLardle: Irish camogie player
• Lucy MacLardle: English actress

Other surnames

MacLardy