MCARTHUR
Also recorded as Mc Arthur, Mcarthur
McArthur
McArthur is a Scottish and Irish surname of patronymic origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Artair", meaning "son of Arthur". The name Arthur itself comes from the Celtic word "artos", which means "bear".
Origins
The McArthur family is believed to have originated from the ancient Scottish clan MacArthur. The clan’s traditional homeland is in Argyll, a historic county in western Scotland. They were known for their warrior spirit and their loyalty to their chiefs.
Migration
Over the years, many members of the McArthur clan migrated to Ireland, particularly during the period of Scottish migration in the 16th and 17th centuries. As a result, the McArthur surname can also be found among Irish families, mainly in the northern counties.
Notable Individuals
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the surname McArthur, including military officers, politicians, and artists. One of the most famous McArthurs is General Douglas MacArthur, an American military leader of Scottish descent who played a prominent role in World War II and the Korean War.
Modern Day
Today, the surname McArthur is still prevalent in Scotland, Ireland, and in countries with a significant Scottish or Irish diaspora. The name continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining the rich heritage and legacy of the McArthur family.
In conclusion, the surname McArthur holds a proud history of bravery, loyalty, and resilience, embodying the spirit of the Scottish and Irish people from whom it originates.
There are approximately 7,886 people named McArthur in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,193rd most common surname in Britain. Around 121 in a million people in Britain are named McArthur.
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
- Ian
- James
- John
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- William
Female
- Anne
- Catherine
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Fiona
- Helen
- Jean
- Karen
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.