Surname MacDiarmid - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacDiarmid: What does the surname MacDiarmid mean?
The last name MacDiarmid is of Scottish origin and derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Dhiarmaid", which means "son of Diarmaid". The personal name Diarmaid means "free man" or "without envy". The name can have different spellings which include MacDermid, MacDermott, MacDiarmid, and McDermid among others. It is most commonly found in the regions of Perthshire and Argyll in Scotland. It is also associated with the Scottish Clan Campbell of Glenorchy. Like many other surnames, MacDiarmid was originally a patrynomic, meaning it was derived from the name of a male ancestor. The use of "Mac" in Gaelic names denotes "son of", indicating ancestral lineage. Therefore, MacDiarmid roughly translates to "Son of Diarmaid".
Order DNA origin analysisMacDiarmid: Where does the name MacDiarmid come from?
The last name MacDiarmid is of Scottish origin. The "Mac" prefix in the name is Gaelic for "son of", hence MacDiarmid meaning "son of Diarmid". Diarmid is a personal name meaning "free man".
The surname MacDiarmid is common in Scotland, specifically in areas of Argyll and Perthshire. Notably, it was here that the first records of the name were found, on the Ragman Rolls in 1296 where two men, Duncan and Dugall MacDermid, were mentioned.
Outside of Scotland, the surname is prevalent in countries such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand as a result of Scottish immigration. In America, immigrants often moderated their name to McDermott to adapt to their new country.
Today, individuals with the MacDiarmid surname can be found around the world, but its highest proportion relative to population remains in Scotland, reflecting its Gaelic heritage.
Variations of the surname MacDiarmid
The surname MacDiarmid originates from Gaelic roots. Mac is a prefix meaning "son of", and Diarmid is a masculine personal name meaning "without envy". It's assumed that many carrying the name descend from Diarmid, an Irish semi-legendary hero who was renowned for his beauty, strength, and courtly manners.
It's also seen as a patronymic surname which comes from an ancient Gaelic given name Diarmaid meaning "free from envy" or "Freeman". Over time, it has been anglicised into different variants making it difficult to trace its exact origin.
Since the spelling of many Scottish names altered with translation, the surname MacDiarmid has variations influenced by factors like phonetic spelling, regional dialect, and literacy levels. The surname variants and spelling can include MacDermid, MacDermott, MacDermit, MacDermitt, Dermott, Dermot, Dermit, and Dermitt among others.
Surnames sharing the same etymological origin include McDermott which comes from the Irish Mac Diarmada (son of Diarmaid), and O'Diarmada or O'Dermody which comes from Ó Diarmada (descendant of Diarmada).
Due to migration and the influence of other languages, you might find these surnames in different forms around the world, especially in places where Gaelic or Irish settlers migrated, like the United States, Canada, Australia, and England.
Famous people with the name MacDiarmid
- Hugh MacDiarmid (1892-1978): A famous Scottish poet and nationalist, known for his intense pessimism and the radicalism of his political views.
- Christopher MacDiarmid (1934-2009): A mathematician and philosopher based in Edinburgh, Scotland, who made a substantial contribution to the study of formal logic.
- Alan MacDiarmid (1927-2007): A Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry in 2000, Alan was the first New Zealander to be honored with the award.
- Bella MacDiarmid (b. 1985): English actress known for her roles in films such as The Remains of the Day and Mary Queen of Scots.
- Bonnie MacDiarmid (b. 1988): Scottish actress, singer, and pianist, best known for her stage and television appearances in the UK.
- Colin MacDiarmid (b. 1961): Scottish entrepreneur and businessman successful in the computer industry.
- Duncan MacDiarmid (b. 1954): Member of the New Zealand Parliament from 2008 to 2011, and a former mayor of Wellington.
- Gregory MacDiarmid (1912-1959): Scottish poet, playwright, and novelist, best known for his work on Celtic folklore and mythology.
- Ian MacDiarmid (1925-2013): Scottish composer who had a successful career writing and arranging light music for television, film, and stage.
- John MacDiarmid (1880-1958): Scottish political activist and politician who served as a Member of Parliament from 1945 to 1950.