Surname MacDougals - Meaning and Origin
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MacDougals: What does the surname MacDougals mean?
The last name MacDougals is a Scottish name derived from the Gaelic MacDhubhghail or MacDhughaill, meaning “son of Dubhghall”. Dubhghall is a Gaelic male personal name derived from the elements “dubh” meaning “dark” and “gall” meaning “stranger”. This translates to “dark stranger” or “Celtic foreigner” and is thought to have originated as a description of the Celts who moved from continental Europe to the British Isles during the Iron Age.
The MacDougals were an influential clan in Scotland from the Middle Ages through to the seventeenth century and were prominent in both other European countries as well as throughout Britain. They were a member of the Scottish Confederation, a Scottish political group active from 1584-1591, and their territories encompassed Inverlochy and Dunstaffnage Castle, which was the seat of their chieftains.
The spelling and pronunciation of MacDougals has varied over the centuries, but the name remains a very recognizable Scottish surname today. It can be found among people of Scottish, British, and Irish descent, as well as those of other European countries where the Gaelic traditions had an influence.
Order DNA origin analysisMacDougals: Where does the name MacDougals come from?
The last name MacDougals is commonly found in Scotland, United States, Canada, and other parts of the English speaking world. It is a derivatives of the Scottish surname, MacDhubhghaill, which means "son of Dubhghall", referring to the founder of the clan who was descended from the royal lineage of the kings of Dal Riata. In Scotland it is found in Aberdeenshire, Argyll, and Kintyre.
In the United States, the MacDougals are concentrated in the Northeast and Central states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Ohio, as well as Texas. They are also more slightly more commonly found in states further west, such as California, Oregon, and Washington. In Canada, they are mainly located in Nova Scotia, but are also found in other parts of the country, such as British Columbia and Ontario.
The MacDougals Clan is known for their strength and determination, having faced many hardships over the centuries. The clan crest features a red lion to represent their courage and daring. They are also known for their loyalty to Scotland and their commitment to preserving the culture and heritage of their ancestors. Today, MacDougals around the world are continuing to make their mark and honoring their legacy.
Variations of the surname MacDougals
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname MacDougals are: McDougall, McDugall, MacDougal, MacDugall, MacDougall, McDougle, MacDougle, McDougal, MacDougell, MacDuigle, MacDuigal, and MacDugal.
MacDougals is a traditional Scots-Irish name, whose root origin is from the Dál Riata kingdom in western Scotland. The Gaelic spelling of the name is, Mac Dhuibh-ghaill, meaningSon of Dhuibh-ghaill, or Son of the Black Stranger.
The MacDougals were a powerful sept or family in medieval Scotland, descended from the ruling Scottish dynasty of Mac-Alpin. The family is associated with the lands of Cowal and Lorn, which they were granted by King William the Lion. The group’s power and authority in the area began to decline with the rise of the Campbells in the 16th century, but they remained respected and prominent members of the Argyllshire community.
McDougall is the most common variation of the name, due to the fact that all Mac- surnames were changed to Mc- by an Act of Parliament in 1615. Some other variants adopted by those bearing the name include McDougal, McDugall, MacDougal, MacDugall, McDoule, MacDoule, MacDuigle, MacDuigal, and MacDugal.
The associated surnames of Cowall, MacGregor, MacColl, and MacArthur, may also be variants of the name MacDougals.
Famous people with the name MacDougals
- Mackenzie MacDougals, a Hollywood actor best known for her roles in the movie, The Conjuring and the television series, Pretty Little Liars.
- Neil MacDougals, a professional ice hockey player in the National Hockey League.
- Iain MacDougals, an award-winning Scottish actor.
- Ed MacDougals, a retail tycoon and philanthropist from Glasgow, Scotland.
- Michelle MacDougals, a journalist and TV news anchor from Vancouver, Canada.
- Tracey MacDougals, an American model and fashion designer.
- Cole MacDougals, an astronaut and space exploration pioneer.
- Gwen MacDougals, a two-time Olympic champion in figure skating.
- Wendy MacDougals, a popular singer and songwriter.
- Stuart MacDougals, a renowned chef and restaurateur.