MACARTHUR
Also recorded as Mac Arthur, Macarthur
MacArthur
MacArthur is a Scottish surname of Gaelic origin, which means "son of Arthur". The name originated from the personal name Arthur, which itself is derived from the Celtic word "artos", meaning "bear". The MacArthur clan is traditionally associated with the region of Argyll in Scotland.
The MacArthur clan is one of the oldest and most prominent Scottish clans, with a rich history dating back to the 13th century. The clan is said to have descended from King Arthur of legend, although this claim is debated among historians. The MacArthurs played a significant role in Scottish history, particularly during the medieval period when they were known for their military prowess and loyalty to the Scottish crown.
The clan's motto is "Eisdhubh ar dùthchas", which translates to "From the blackness of our circumstances" in English. The clan crest features a boar's head with the motto inscribed below.
The most famous figure bearing the name MacArthur is General Douglas MacArthur (1880–1964), a prominent American military leader who served in both World Wars and the Korean War. Despite his American heritage, General MacArthur's Scottish ancestry can be traced back to the MacArthur clan of Scotland.
Today, the surname MacArthur is found not only in Scotland but also in various English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The MacArthur clan continues to maintain its rich heritage through clan gatherings, tartans, and other cultural activities.
There are approximately 2,317 people named MacArthur in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,722nd most common surname in Britain. Around 36 in a million people in Britain are named MacArthur.
Surname type: From name of parent
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alexander
- Andrew
- David
- Donald
- Ian
- James
- John
- Neil
- Paul
- Robert
- William
Female
- Anne
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Fiona
- Helen
- Jane
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Paula
- Samantha
- Sarah
- Susan
- Tracy
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.