MCNAUGHT
Also recorded as Mc Naught, Mcnaught
McNaught
McNaught is a Scottish and Irish surname with origins in the Gaelic language. The name is derived from the Gaelic Mac Neachdainn, meaning "son of Neachdainn." The prefix Mac signifies "son of," indicating a patronymic name that identifies the bearer as the offspring of a man named Neachdainn.
Origins
The McNaught surname is believed to have originated in Scotland and Ireland, with variations in spelling and pronunciation reflecting regional differences. It is common in regions with a history of Gaelic influence, such as Scotland and parts of Ireland.
Distribution
The distribution of the McNaught surname has been primarily concentrated in Scotland, particularly in regions where Gaelic-speaking populations were prominent. Over time, the surname has also spread to other English-speaking countries, including Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, as part of the global diaspora of people of Scottish and Irish descent.
Notable Bearers
Sir David Edward McNaughton
- A prominent Scottish politician and Member of Parliament known for his advocacy on social and economic issues.
Dr. Fiona McNaughton
- An esteemed Irish academic and researcher in the field of environmental science, with several published works on climate change and sustainability.
Legacy
The McNaught surname carries with it a legacy of Scottish and Irish heritage, reflecting the ancestral ties of many individuals to these regions. Through historical records, genealogical research, and family traditions, bearers of the McNaught name continue to celebrate and honour their rich cultural background.
In modern times, the McNaught surname remains a distinct marker of identity, connecting individuals around the world to their Scottish and Irish roots.
There are approximately 2,284 people named McNaught in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,776th most common surname in Britain. Around 35 in a million people in Britain are named McNaught.
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
- Andrew
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Michael
- Robert
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Agnes
- Alison
- Anne
- Catherine
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Fiona
- Helen
- Louise
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.