Moncrieff

Moncrieff is a Scottish surname of territorial origins, derived from the lands of Moncreiffe in Perthshire, Scotland. The name is believed to have been derived from the Gaelic "Monadh Craoibhe," which translates to "Hill of the Tree."

Origins

The Moncrieff family can trace its roots back to the ancient Celtic tribes of Scotland. The first recorded instance of the name was in the 13th century when Sir Matthew Moncreiffe of that Ilk was granted the lands of Moncreiffe by King David II of Scotland. The Moncrieffs were a prominent family in Scottish society and were involved in various aspects of political and social life.

Variants

Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved, with variations such as Moncrief, Moncreef, and Moncreiff being used. These variations can be attributed to factors such as illiteracy and dialectal differences.

Notable Individuals

The Moncrieff family has produced several notable individuals over the centuries, including:

  • Sir Thomas Moncreiffe (1876–1957): A renowned genealogist and heraldic author who served as Albany Herald in the Court of the Lord Lyon.
  • James Moncrieff (1805–1895): A Scottish advocate and politician who served as Solicitor General for Scotland.
  • Reginald Moncrieff (1905–1984): An accomplished artist known for his landscape paintings of Scottish scenery.

Legacy

The Moncrieff name has left a lasting legacy in Scotland, with various landmarks, streets, and institutions bearing the family name. The Moncreiffe House in Perthshire is a notable historical building associated with the family.

References

For those interested in delving further into the history of the Moncrieff family, numerous genealogical records and historical texts provide insight into the origins and lineage of this distinguished Scottish surname.

There are approximately 1,154 people named Moncrieff in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,612th most common surname in Britain. Around 18 in a million people in Britain are named Moncrieff.

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
  • Alistair
  • Andrew
  • Charles
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Robert
  • Scott
  • Stuart
  • William

Female

  • Alison
  • Anne
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Jane
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Zoe

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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