MCINTOSH
Also recorded as Mc Intosh, Mcintosh
McIntosh
McIntosh is a Scottish and Irish surname of Gaelic origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Mac an Toisich". The name literally means "son of the chief" or "son of the leader", indicating a familial connection to a tribal or clan leader in ancient Scotland.
Origin and History:
The McIntosh surname is believed to have originated in the regions of Inverness and Perthshire in Scotland. It is associated with the Clan Mackintosh, a Highland Scottish clan known for its role in the history of the Scottish Highlands. The clan was historically based around the regions of Inverness and the River Spey.
Distribution and Variants:
The McIntosh surname is predominantly found in Scotland, Ireland, and other English-speaking countries with Scottish and Irish heritage. Variants of the name include Macintosh, M'Tosh, and other phonetic variations.
Notable Individuals:
- John McIntosh - A Scottish-Canadian farmer known for discovering the McIntosh red apple in the early 19th century.
- Cameron McIntosh - A prominent British theater producer, known for his work on musical productions like Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera.
Cultural Significance:
The McIntosh surname carries a sense of pride and heritage for individuals of Scottish and Irish descent. Many bearers of the name have played influential roles in various spheres of society, including politics, academia, and the arts.
References:
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
- Roberts, L. G. T. (1990). Clans and Tartans of Scotland. Barnes & Noble.
This encyclopedia entry provides an overview of the McIntosh surname, highlighting its origin, history, distribution, notable individuals associated with the name, and its cultural significance.
There are approximately 18,901 people named McIntosh in the UK. That makes it the 457th most common surname in Britain. Around 290 in a million people in Britain are named McIntosh.
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
- Alan
- Alexander
- Andrew
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Robert
- Stuart
- William
Female
- Alison
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Fiona
- Helen
- Jane
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.