MCBEATH

Also recorded as Mc Beath, Mcbeath

McBeath

McBeath is a Scottish surname with roots in the ancient Celtic traditions of the country. Derived from the Gaelic name Mac Beatha, it translates to mean "son of life" or "son of Beathan". The name Beathan itself is of Old Irish origin, signifying "life" or "vitality".

Origin and History

The McBeath surname is believed to have originated in the Scottish Highlands and is linked to the Clan MacBeth. The MacBeth clan has a rich history, and it is often associated with the infamous historical figure Macbeth, the King of Scotland from 1040 to 1057.

Notable Individuals

Though the McBeath surname is not as common as some other Scottish surnames, there have been notable individuals bearing this name. These include:

  • William McBeath (1913-1997): A renowned Scottish artist known for his landscape paintings capturing the beauty of the Highlands.
  • Sarah McBeath (b. 1978): A successful Scottish entrepreneur who founded a sustainable fashion brand in Edinburgh.

References

  • Reaney, P.H., and Wilson, R.M. A Dictionary of English Surnames, 3rd edition, Oxford University Press, 1997.
  • Black, G.F. The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History, New York Public Library, 1946.

There are approximately 614 people named McBeath in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around nine in a million people in Britain are named McBeath.

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

  • Andrew
  • Charles
  • Colin
  • David
  • Gordon
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • William

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Fiona
  • Irene
  • Jacqueline
  • Jennifer
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Morag
  • Pauline
  • Rosemary
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Valerie

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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