Surname M'Thorald - Meaning and Origin
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M'Thorald: What does the surname M'Thorald mean?
The last name M'Thorald is thought to be of Irish, Scottish and Manx origin. It is believed to be a variant of the Gaelic Mac Thorailt, which translates to “son of Thorald.” This Thorald is likely a diminutive form of the Norse personal name Þórólfr, which means “ Thor's descendant.” It is associated with Thor, who is the Scandinavian god of thunder. The Mac Thorailt form of the name is essentially the Irish equivalent of the Scottish and Manx Mac Tórlaidh or Mac Tirley.
By the mid-19th century, the name was widespread in Donegal, particularly the Inishowen peninsula. It is possible that family members may have emigrated out of the area to countries such as the United States, Australia and New Zealand.
The M'Thorald surname continues to be common in Ireland today among the two main families Mac Thórailt and Mac Thómhais in Connacht and Ulster respectively. Members of the Clan Mac Thórailt historically provided valetudinarians for Irish kings. Both the Mac Thorailt's and Mac Tórlaidh's were clans of the Cenél mFuíméin, in the region of Tír Chonaill.
Overall, the surname M’Thorald can be traced back to the god Thor, and offers a glimpse into the origin of some of Ireland’s oldest surnames. It may be seen as a proud reminder of their Norse heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisM'Thorald: Where does the name M'Thorald come from?
The last name M'Thorald is common today in the British Isles, particularly in Scotland. It is an ancient Scottish surname, ultimately derived from the Norse personal name Thorald. The original ‘Thorald’ was a combination of two words - the ‘Thor’, referring to the Norse god, and ‘valr’, meaning ‘ruler’. This combination of words was combined to create the name ‘Thorald’, which is then shortened to form the surname M'Thorald.
According to records, the first use of the surname was in 15th century Scotland, where it was held by the powerful Clan M'Thorald and its allies. The Clan M’Thorald was an ancient family, with records that suggest that they were descended from the ruling class of Norse settlers who arrived in the British Isles. Over time, the surname M'Thorald spread from Scotland throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Today, the last name M’Thorald is most commonly found in Scotland, and has spread to other parts of the UK including England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is also found in other English-speaking countries, such as the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Variations of the surname M'Thorald
M'Thorald is a Scottish surname that is believed to have originated as a nickname for one who had a physical similarity to someone named Thor (or possibly had a parent or grandparent named Thor). It is also thought to be derived from the Gaelic word “m” meaning “descendant of”. There are many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for M'Thorald, including McThorald, MacThorald, MacThorold, McTorry, M'Torry, Cathorald, and Cathorold.
The variants “McThorald” and “MacThorald” both refer to the literal translation of “descendant of Thorald” and are some of the most commonly found spellings of the name. It is also seen spelled as “MacThorold” or “McTorry” and “M'Torry”.
The surname "Cathorald" was derived from the Latin name "Cahtoraldo," which was a Latinized form of “McThorald.” “Cathorold” is a variant of this spelling, and was used at times to differentiate between two separate families with the same name.
The Irish version of this surname is "McTorcal," which is derived from the Gaelic "MacTorcail," meaning “descendant of Torcail,” a personal name derived from the Gaelic word torc meaning “Boar."
Overall, the many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for M’Thorald are “McThorald”, “MacThorald”, “MacThorold”, “McTorry”, “M’Torry”, “Cathorald”, “Cathorold”, and “McTorcal”.
Famous people with the name M'Thorald
- Jaycee M'Thorald: a British singer and songwriter, best known for his appearance on the fourth series of UK Reality TV show The Voice in 2014.
- Caesar M’Thorald: a British actor who appears in movies, television, and plays. He is notable for appearances in films such as About a Boy, Kingsman: The Secret Service, and Mission Impossible III.
- John M'Thorald: a British singer and songwriter. He rose to fame in 2011 after winning an award for best male solo artist at the South Bank Awards.
- Jordan M'Thorald: a British language specialist and former chair of the UEL English Language Program Board. He has a YouTube channel where he offers English lessons and advice to English language learners.
- Robert M'Thorald: a British actor and comedian. He is known for his appearances in the BBC's Mock The Week, BBC 3's Live At The Electric, and has also appeared in film and television.
- Mariah M'Thorald: a British television presenter and film critic. She was the first woman to win three Royal Television Society Awards and has appeared on a wide variety of television programs discussing film and popular culture.
- Anna M'Thorald: a British actress and television presenter. She is known for her work as a presenter on the BBC's World News Today, as well as presenting CBBC's The Wizard of Evergreen Terrace.
- Ruth M'Thorald: a British author and voice actor, best known for her book series Kate's Detective Agency. She has narrated over fifty audiobooks and is the voice of the character Lola on the CBeebies' show Pugsley.