Surname MacCormick - Meaning and Origin

MacCormick: What does the surname MacCormick mean?

The last name MacCormick is an Anglicization of the Scottish Gaelic MacCornmeic or MacCormaig. The name is derived from the Gaelic given name Cormac, which means "son of the Raven". The surname is most commonly found in areas of Scotland like the Inner Hebrides, West Highlands, the Isle of Arran, Perthshire, Angus, Stirlingshire and Glasgow. In addition, it is fairly common in Ireland, particularly in counties Tyrone and Donegal. In the United States, it is most common in the states of Massachusetts, New York, Illinois and Pennsylvania.

The MacCormick name is generally associated with the Clan MacCormick, which is an ancient Scottish clan. Clan MacCormick's mythical progenitor, Cormac, is said to have descended from King's amongst the ancient Picts. According to legend, the clan provided a pillar of support to the Gaels and assisted Robert, the Bruce, during his wars for independence from England. The Clan MacCormick badge usually features a raven perched atop a mount, which is a symbol of strength and wisdom.

All in all, the last name MacCormick has strong ties to the ancient Scottish culture. It symbolizes strength and wisdom, and the tradition of honouring honourable ancestors. This connection with ancestry and heritage has made the name MacCormick a source of pride among many families today.

MacCormick: Where does the name MacCormick come from?

The last name MacCormick is most common today in Scotland, Ireland, and Nova Scotia, Canada.

The MacCormick name is derived from the Gaelic Mac Cormaic, which is an anglicised version of the clans Cormac or MacCormaig. These clans were considered nobiles. Forming during the Celtic expansion of the 10th century, they were part of the larger group of ancient ecstatic clans.

The MacCormicks of Scotland were loosely allied to the royal house of Scotland and were based primarily in Argyll, with a strong presence in the North. They were very prominent among the Highland Clans.

The MacCormicks of Ireland were once located in County Donegal, Northeastern Ireland, where their territory included most of the county of Donegal with its two major castles - MacCormick Castle in Raphoe, and MacCormick Castle in Gweedore.

During the mid-1600s, many MacCormicks were exiled to Nova Scotia, Canada when Ireland was forcibly resettled in this era. Some of these MacCormicks eventually migrated to parts of New England and New Brunswick, while some stayed in Nova Scotia and now form part of the province's large Scottish population.

Today, the MacCormick name can be found in traces all over the world, with many family members in Scotland, Ireland, Canada, the United States, Australia and more.

Variations of the surname MacCormick

The surname MacCormick is an ancient Irish name that originates from the Kingdom of County Down in the Province of Ulster, Northern Ireland. It is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Mac Cormaic".

Variations of MacCormick can include Cormick, Cormic, MacCorick, MacCorkill, MacCorkle, MacCormac, MacCormack, MacCoume, MacCoome, MacCoum and MacCormac. It is sometimes seen, incorrectly, spelled as McCormick or Cormick.

The Irish root of the surname MacCormick is the Gaelic name MacCormaic, descended from Cormac, an ancient first name of unknown origin. The MacCormaic family was recorded in County Down as far back as the 13th century. It was one of seven major Irish-Gaelic families in the province.

Spellings of MacCormick in the English language include MacCormack, MacCormic, MacCormack, MacCorick, MacCorkill, MacCorkle, MacCormac, MacCoume, MacCoome, MacCoum and MacCormac. These are all variants of the same family line.

Surnames derived from the same origin as MacCormick include Cormack, Cormic, Corric, Corrick, Corkick, Corkill, Corkle, Cormac, Coume, Coome, Coum and Cormac. These all ultimately originate from the Gaelic root of MacCormaic.

Since the beginning of the 18th century, MacCormicks have spread out all over the world. The current holder of the surname can be found in both Britain and North America. It is also extremely common amongst Irish diaspora communities in countries such as Australia, Canada and the United States.

Famous people with the name MacCormick

• Graham MacCormick: a legendary ice hockey player for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1940s.
• Gordon MacCormick: a renowned Canadian philosopher and historian of philosophy.
• Charlotte MacCormick: an award-winning Canadian actress and voice actor.
• David MacCormick: an acclaimed novelist, poet and biographer.
• Heather MacCormick: a critically acclaimed Canadian jazz vocalist.
• David MacCormick: the General Manager of the SportsNet brand in the UK and Europe.
• Jean MacCormick: a professional ballet dancer and instructor.
• R.O. MacCormick: the founder of the Law School at the University of Edinburgh.
• Sir Angus MacCormick: a former Member of Parliament and Member of the British Parliament.
• Malcolm MacCormick: the Principal Clarinetist with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
• Lindsay MacCormick: a leading art historian and writer.
• MacKenzie MacCormick: a renowned Canadian artist and sculptor.
• Miranda MacCormick: a prominent British actress and comedienne.
• Richard MacCormick: the former Chief of NATO's Supreme Allied Commander in Europe.

Other surnames

MacCormack