MACTAVISH
Also recorded as Mac Tavish, Mactavish
MacTavish
MacTavish is a Scottish surname, originating from the Gaelic Mac Tamhais, meaning 'son of Thomas'. The name possibly traces its ancestry to Clan Campbell, one of the largest and most powerful Highland clans in Scotland.
Origins: The MacTavish surname is believed to have originated in Argyll, in the west of Scotland. It is thought to be a sept, or branch, of Clan Campbell, and is closely associated with the MacInnes and MacThomas families. The name MacTavish is considered a distinguishing marker of this particular branch of the Campbell clan.
History: The MacTavish family has a long and illustrious history in Scotland, with members being involved in clan warfare, the Jacobite uprisings, and various other historical events. MacTavish is also associated with the famous Highland Games, where members of the clan would compete in traditional Scottish athletic events.
Notable Figures: Several notable individuals have borne the MacTavish surname over the years, contributing to various fields such as politics, academia, and the arts. One well-known figure is Dr. Archibald MacTavish, a renowned Scottish philosopher and writer who made significant contributions to the field of ethics.
Modern Times: In contemporary times, the MacTavish surname continues to be present in Scotland and across the world, carried by individuals with diverse backgrounds and occupations. The name serves as a reminder of the rich cultural and historical heritage of Scotland.
References:
- Way, George and Squire, Romilly. Clans & Tartans. HarperCollins Publishers, 2000.
- Roberts, C. J. Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. HarperCollins Publishers, 2014.
There are approximately 377 people named MacTavish in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around six in a million people in Britain are named MacTavish.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alexander
- Andrew
- Angus
- Donald
- Duncan
- George
- Iain
- Ian
- James
- John
- Kenneth
- Rob
- Robert
Female
- Alison
- Anne
- Carol
- Diane
- Heather
- Isabella
- Kirsty
- Margaret
- Mary
- Rachel
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.