MCDONALD
Also recorded as Mc Donald, Mc'Donald, Mc'donald, Mcdonald
McDonald
McDonald is a prominent surname of Scottish and Irish origin. It derives from the Gaelic name "Mac Dhomhnaill", meaning son of Donald. The prefix "Mac" indicates 'son of', while "Domhnall" is a Gaelic personal name which means 'world ruler'.
Origins
The McDonald clan is considered one of the largest and most distinguished Highland clans in Scotland. They are believed to be descendants of Somhairle, a 12th-century ruler of the western Highlands and Islands, and claim ancestral ties to the Lords of the Isles.
In Ireland, the McDonald name may be derived from separate Gaelic origins, particularly from regions such as Louth and Ulster.
History
Throughout history, the McDonalds have been known for their military prowess and power struggles. They played a significant role in the Jacobite uprisings and the Scottish Wars of Independence against English rule.
The most famous branch of the McDonald clan is the Clan MacDonald of Clanranald, known for their fierce loyalty and defiance. They were active in the Highlands during the turbulent periods of clan warfare.
Notable Figures
Notable individuals bearing the McDonald surname include Sir John McDonald, a Canadian Prime Minister, and Angus McDonald, founder of the McDonald's Corporation. Additionally, various athletes, actors, and musicians also carry the McDonald name.
Modern Times
Today, the McDonald surname is widespread across the globe, particularly in English-speaking countries. Many individuals bearing the name proudly trace their ancestry back to the ancient Scottish and Irish clans.
In conclusion, the McDonald surname holds a rich history, steeped in tradition and heritage, making it a prominent and respected name within the British Isles and beyond.
There are approximately 52,461 people named McDonald in the UK. That makes it the 127th most common surname in Britain. Around 806 in a million people in Britain are named McDonald.
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
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- William
Female
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Fiona
- Helen
- Karen
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- MacDonald
- McDonell
- Macdonal
- Macdnald
- Macdoanld
- Mcdonlad
- Mcdonal
- Macdona
- Macdonad
- Macdonalds
- Macdonall
- Macdondald
- Macdonell
- Macdonlad
- Macdonld
- Macdonnald
- Macdonnall
- Macdonnel
- Macdonneld
- Macdonold
- Mackdonal
- Mackdonald
- Mcdonad
- Mcdonagh
- Mcdonalds
- Mcdonaldson
- Mcdonall
- Mcdondald
- Mcdonel
- Mcdongall
- Mcdonna
- Mcdonnald
- Mcdonnall
- Mcdonnel
- Mcdonnell
- Mcdonnold
- Macdonna
- Macdonnell
- Mcdonach
- Mcdonnagh
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.