Surname MacCra - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacCra: What does the surname MacCra mean?
The surname MacCra is of Scottish origin. It derives from the Gaelic name "MacRath," which means "son of grace" or "son of prosperity." Like many Scottish surnames, it started to be used as a means to distinguish different clans and families during the Middle Ages. The name indicates a familial, generational link with a historical clan member named Rath, potentially perceived as gracious or prosperous. Sometimes surname variations occur due to the reinterpretation or misspelling over the centuries, making it appear in different forms like McCrae, MacRae, and Rae. Individuals with the MacCra surname have significant roots in Scotland, particularly in regions like Kintail or Inverness-shire, indicating a long familial history in these areas. Hence, the surname not only provides a connection to a specific lineage but also to a geographical area of Scotland.
Order DNA origin analysisMacCra: Where does the name MacCra come from?
The surname MacCra is of Scottish origin. It is a variation of the surname McCrae, which in Gaelic is MacRath meaning "son of grace." The McCrae clan was traditionally based in the Highlands of Scotland, particularly in the regions of Inverness-shire and Ross-shire.
Today, due to historical emigration patterns, it is quite common to encounter this surname in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where many Scots relocated. The highest concentration of the MacCra surname is likely found in Scotland, though the specifics can vary significantly because surnames can be distributed unevenly even within a single country. Furthermore, the spelling of surnames can change drastically over time and due to migration, therefore it's possible that the surname exists under different variants today. Despite these caveats, it is generally through these patterns of local prevalence and global distribution that the MacCra surname persists today, especially within regions that have a significant population of Scottish descent.
Variations of the surname MacCra
The surname MacCra is believed to be of Scottish origin, originating from the Gaelic name "Mac Raith". This name consists of the elements "Mac", meaning "son of", and "Raith", meaning "grace" or "prosperity".
There are several variants and spelling differences of the surname MacCra due to the evolution of language, regional dialects, and Anglicization over time. The common variants and spellings include McCrae, MacRae, McRae, MacRay, McRay, MacRath, McRath, MacGrath, and McGrath.
These variations have also generated associated or similar surnames like Rae, Raith, and Rath. The 'Mac' prefix can sometimes be dropped, leading to names like Rae or Raith.
In some cases, the surname can be patronymic, translating to "son of Raith", hence individuals could have the name MacRaith or McRaith.
It's important to note that the surname can also be influenced by regional differences within Scotland, hence variations can be more common in certain parts of the country compared to others. The Anglicization of the original Gaelic name has also contributed to the variety in spellings and pronunciation.
Famous people with the name MacCra
- Ian McGrath (MacCra): Scottish vocalist, actor, producer, and record executive
- Olga MacCra: Italian-born, Scottish singer-songwriter, composer, and visual artist
- Terence MacCra: Scottish television, film, and Broadway actor
- James MacCra: Scottish actor and screenwriter
- Finlay MacCra: Scottish historian, professor, and author
- Maura MacCra: Scottish radio personality, comedian, and writer
- John MacCra: Scottish actor, writer, and stand-up comedian
- Niall MacCra: Scottish singer-songwriter and musician
- Iain MacCra: Scottish rock guitarist and songwriter
- Mrs. Clara MacCra: Scottish suffragist