Surname MacDavid - Meaning and Origin
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MacDavid: What does the surname MacDavid mean?
The last name MacDavid is a patronymic surname derived from the given name David. Patronymic surnames are derived from the first name of a father, grandfather, or ancestor. The given name David is derived from the Hebrew Dawid, which means “beloved” or “favorite”. In Scotland, the surname has different variations, including MacDavid and McDavitt, but the meaning is the same.
The MacDavid surname first appeared in Scotland in the 1300s with the first recorded instance being Alexander Makdaffed, who appeared in the court records of Inverness, Scotland in 1320. The MacDavid family was well-established in Scotland and held a family seat for over 600 years at Dunden Castle in the parish of Urray near Dingwall, Ross-shire.
The MacDavid family is well known for its members’ accomplishments throughout the centuries. Captain Peter MacDavid and his brother John were part of the crew of the first merchant ship to circumnavigate the world from 1577-1580. William MacDavid served as royal bodyguard to King Charles II.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, members of the MacDavid family made their mark in Scotland. John MacDavid was mayor of Leith from 1875 to 1877 and his son William MacDavid served as a Town Councillor in Leith.
The MacDavid surname is a testament to the proud history of Scotland and the strength and accomplishments of the MacDavid's since the 1300's. It speaks to the hardworking nature of Scotland’s people and their determination to make a name for themselves in the world.
Order DNA origin analysisMacDavid: Where does the name MacDavid come from?
The last name MacDavid is most commonly associated with the Highlands of Scotland. The Clans of MacDavid are descended from the 12th century Gaelic Lord, Alasdair MacDubhgaill. Clan MacDavid is a branch of the MacDougall Clan, sharing similar roots and a shared ancestor in Lord Cathan Mac Dubhgaill.
The MacDavid name can still be found in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands. Most notably, the Isle of Mull, a major historical area of the MacDavid clan, is home to many families today who bear the MacDavid name.
The name has also spread to other parts of the world, particularly to Canada and the United States. The first MacDavid to make the journey to North America was Hugh MacDavid, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1774 from Scotland. He is believed to be the ancestor of MacDavid families in the United States and Canada today.
The MacDavid name is also found in Australia, New Zealand, and other parts of Europe, including France, Germany, and Scandinavia.
Overall, the MacDavid name continues to maintain strong roots in its homeland of Scotland. However, the name has spread far and wide, across the world, to all those who share a common ancestry.
Variations of the surname MacDavid
Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname MacDavid include MacDonald, McDavid, MacDade, MacDadey, McDavidson, McDavie, Davey, Davie and O'David.
The surname MacDavid is derived from the Gaelic ‘mac Dhaid’ and is closely associated with the ancient Kingdom of Dál Riata in Scottland, which was located between Mull and Antrim on the West coast of Scotland, from which many Scottish families trace their ancestry. The surname was taken by the Clan MacDonald of Clanranald in the late 13th century and has since become a popular surname.
The earliest record of this surname is in 1665 with the baptism of Marion MacDavid in Stranraer, Wigtownshire, Scotland. It was also recorded in the Poll Tax returns of the 17th century in counties such as Renfrew, Ayr, and Perth.
Many variants and spellings of this surname have existed over the centuries, likely due to a combination of lack of formal education and language barriers. As such, the surname can be seen in a variety of different spellings, including MacDonald, McDavid, MacDade, MacDadey, McDavidson, McDavie, Davey, Davie and O'David.
Regardless of the variant spelling or surname, all can be attributed to the same origin, that being the Clan MacDonald and the ancient Kingdom of Dál Riata.
Famous people with the name MacDavid
- Dave MacDavid: singer-songwriter from Texas who has opened for acts like Gary Clark Jr. and performed at festivals like South by Southwest
- Rob McDavid: Canadian curler, who won gold medals for Canada at the Winter Olympics in 2002 and 2010
- Malcolm MacDavid: English professional cyclist who competed in the Tour de France in the late 19th century
- Brian MacDavid: retired Canadian professional ice hockey player from the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs
- Patrick MacDavid: South African rugby union player who played for the Stormers in Super Rugby
- Robin MacDavid: Canadian actor, best known for his roles in the horror films Friday the 13th Part III and Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter
- Connor McDavid: Canadian professional ice hockey player, captain of the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers
- Robert MacDavid: Scottish rugby union player, who played for the Glasgow Warriors between 1997 and 2003
- Braden MacDavid: Canadian professional skateboarder, part of the Flip Skateboards team
- Brandy MacDavid: Australian sprinter, winner of four gold medals at the 2008 Summer Paralympics