Surname MacCorquodale - Meaning and Origin

MacCorquodale: What does the surname MacCorquodale mean?

The surname MacCorquodale is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name MacTorcadail. The prefix "Mac" means "son of" while "Torcadail" is a personal name. However, the meaning of this personal name is unclear and might have been lost over time. It is geographically rooted in areas around Argyll and Bute in Scotland where the MacCorquodale clan lived. The family crest of the clan includes three boars' heads, which may suggest that the name is attached to notions of bravery or strength. Due to its ambiguity, the exact meaning of the name MacCorquodale might vary but overall, it signifies a familial or ancestral connection to the MacTorcadail lineage of the Scottish Highlands. The clan, like many Scottish clans, has a rich history and their own tartan. Over the years, the name has seen various spellings including McCorquodale, M'Corquodale, and MacCorkindale.

MacCorquodale: Where does the name MacCorquodale come from?

The surname MacCorquodale has roots in Scottish Gaelic culture, derived from "Mac Thorcadail." It is associated with members of a Scottish clan that traces back to Torcadal, a man who lived in the 12th century. The name MacCorquodale means "son of Torcadal", with the prefix "Mac" translating as "son of” in Gaelic.

In its anglicized form, which has several variations including McCorquodale, MacCorquodale, McCorquadale, and others, the surname is less common, but still prevalent in Scotland. The Clan MacCorquodale was historically centered in the Loch Awe region of Argyll, in western Scotland.

Today, the last name MacCorquodale is most common in places where Scottish people historically immigrated in significant numbers, such as England, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It maintains a relatively low distribution globally, though, due in part to its many variations and the smaller size of the MacCorquodale clan. However, it holds a special place within Scottish culture and history. A notable bearer of the name was former British politician and publisher, George Kenneth Hotson McCorquodale.

Variations of the surname MacCorquodale

The surname MacCorquodale is Scottish in origin and is associated with Clan MacCorquodale. It belongs to the variant of Gaelic surnames that derive from a father's given name. The surname is derived from "MacTorquill," which denotes "son of Torquil," a personal name composed of the Norse elements "Thor," the name of the Norse god of thunder and "ketill," which means cauldron or helmet.

The surname MacCorquodale has several variants and spellings which have essentially the same origin, these include McCorquodale, McCorquodale, MacCorquadale, and MacCorkindale. Slight variations in the spelling of the surname occurred over time, with some individuals opting to drop the 'Mac' or 'Mc' prefix altogether, resulting in surnames like Corquodale or Corquadale.

It's important to note that spelling variants can also be a product of phonetic interpretations or transcription errors. Many Scottish and Irish names were Anglicized upon the families' arrival in North America, due to illiteracy or for assimilation purposes, leading to numerous variations in the spelling of the original surname. Additionally, local dialects and accents would often further change the spelling of surnames.

In terms of related surnames, those associated with the name Torquil, such as MacTorquil or McTorquil, can also be considered as having the same origin.

Famous people with the name MacCorquodale

• Diana, Princess of Wales (1961–1997), born Diana Frances Spencer, married name Diana, Princess of Wales, née Diana Frances Spencer-Spencer-Churchill-MacCorquodale;i
• Saffron MacCorquodale, blind singer and daughter of Diana, Princess of Wales;
• Edward MacCorquodale, son of Diana, Princess of Wales;
• Louis Frances Spencer, son of Diana, Princess of Wales;
• Charles Gordon MacCorquodale, Olympic bobsledder;
• Neil MacCorquodale, rugby union winger;
• Dave MacCorquodale, judoka who competed in the 1996 Summer Olympics;
• Eleanor Louise MacCorquodale, British Olympic yachtswoman;
• George MacCorquodale MBE, Scottish botanist;
• Jack MacCorquodale, Stirling Prize nominee architect;
• Christina Sue MacCorquodale, ceramic artist and potter.

Other surnames

MacCorquodil