Surname MacEntaggart - Meaning and Origin

MacEntaggart: What does the surname MacEntaggart mean?

The surname MacEntaggart is of Scottish origin, and derives from the ancient Gaelic term Mac an t-Sagairt, meaning ‘son of the priest’. Ancient Scotland featured a clan system, and many of the family names associated with the country originated from the clan chiefs’ nicknames, a practice which was customary in this part of the world. Therefore, it is likely that the MacEntaggart family originally took the surname from a forefather who was a priest or a bishop.

As with many Scottish families, the MacEntaggart clan eventually dispersed throughout the world. The stream of MacEntaggart emigration began during the 15th century and billed continue through the 19th century, when large numbers of Scotland’s population moved abroad in search of work. Evidence suggests that some MacEntaggart people landed in North America, Australia and New Zealand during this time, leading to the creation of many global branches of this family.

Today, the surname MacEntaggart is still commonly found throughout Scotland, as well as throughout many countries across the world. Whether the surname is associated with the ancient MacEntaggarts of Scotland or more modern branches, it carries a powerful family legacy that traces back to a distant priest.

MacEntaggart: Where does the name MacEntaggart come from?

The last name MacEntaggart is thought to be of Scottish origin and is primarily found in Scotland. This surname is still quite a common name in Scotland and is particularly popular in the Highlands and in the Borders region.

MacEntaggart is known to be a variation of the McIntosh name which is derived from the Gaelic personal names ‘Mac an Toisich’ meaning ‘son of the chief’ or 'leader'. It is believed that it was first established in the area of Moray in northeastern Scotland and that it then spread out to the neighbouring regions.

Today, the name MacEntaggart (or any of its many variations) can be found throughout Scotland as well as in parts of England, Ireland, Canada, and Australia. Despite its strong Scottish roots, it can still be encountered in other countries with large Scottish or Scottish-Canadian diasporas. In addition, due to the global nature of migration, it is also possible to find the name in other parts of the world such as in South Africa and the United States.

In conclusion, although the name MacEntaggart is believed to have originated in Scotland, it is no longer limited to this country and can be found throughout the world.

Variations of the surname MacEntaggart

The variations and spellings of the MacEntaggart surname include M'Entaggart, M'Intaggart, MacEntaggart, MacIntaggart, MacTaggart, MacTaggert, MacToghert, MacTogheir, MacIentagart, MacIntach, MacIntoucher, MacTaucher and MacTayer. The variations of the surname are often due to Scottish Gaelic roots and the variations in spellings of the language over time.

The MacEntaggart surname originates from the Scottish Gaelic 'mac-an-taighe', which means 'son of the elder'. It is first recorded in Scotland during the 16th century and is believed to have been a common surname in the Highlands of Scotland. The MacEntaggart name is believed to be derived from a Gaelic clan originally from the Isle of Arran in the Firth of Clyde.

The MacEntaggart surname is common throughout Scotland and the British Isles, and is also found in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States. It is also sometimes found spelled 'McTagart' or 'McTaggart', which may have been derivatives of the Gaelic form.

Variations or spellings of the MacEntaggart surname over the years may have been in order to distinguish families or clans from one another. Other spellings may have been due to the influence of local dialects or variations in pronunciation of the name in particular areas.

Famous people with the name MacEntaggart

• Kelly MacEntaggart: singer/songwriter
• Hunter MacEntaggart: Shakespearean actor
• Mary MacEntaggart: politician
• Marcus MacEntaggart: host of a cooking show
• Colin MacEntaggart: sports commentator
• Eamon MacEntaggart: film director
• Ainsley MacEntaggart: fashion designer
• Declan MacEntaggart: business mogul
• Moira MacEntaggart: international human rights activist
• Eliza MacEntaggart: journalist and editor

Other surnames

Macentaggert