MACNAUGHT

Also recorded as Mac Naught, Macnaught

MacNaught

MacNaught is a Scottish and Northern Irish surname of Celtic origin. The name MacNaught is believed to be derived from the Gaelic "MacNeachtain," meaning "son of Nechtan." Nechtan was a common personal name in ancient Scotland and Ireland, derived from the god Nechtan associated with water and healing.

The MacNaught family is part of the wider clan system in Scotland, where individuals with the same surname are often linked through a common ancestor and share a collective heritage and allegiance. MacNaughts are historically associated with regions such as Galloway in southwest Scotland and Antrim in Northern Ireland.

Throughout history, individuals bearing the surname MacNaught have been noted for their contributions to various fields, including academia, literature, the arts, politics, and business. The name has spread beyond its Scottish and Irish origins, with MacNaught families establishing themselves in different parts of the world, particularly in former British colonies.

Notable individuals with the surname MacNaught have left their mark on different aspects of society, and the name continues to be recognised as a part of Scotland and Northern Ireland's rich cultural tapestry.

In contemporary times, the MacNaught surname serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Celtic peoples and their contributions to the cultural heritage of the British Isles and the wider world.

There are approximately 135 people named MacNaught in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named MacNaught.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Alastair
  • David
  • Douglas
  • Gilbert
  • Ian
  • Jack
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Thomas

Female

  • Angela
  • Anna
  • Emma
  • Fiona
  • Helen
  • Jean
  • Margaret
  • Pamela
  • Toni
  • Tracey

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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