Surname MacEntyre - Meaning and Origin
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MacEntyre: What does the surname MacEntyre mean?
The last name MacEntyre originated in Scotland from the Gaelic personal name Mac an tSaoir, meaning "son of the craftsman (or wright)". The migration of families bearing the MacEntyre surname to North America began as early as the 19th century.
In Scotland, the MacEntyre Clan hails from the region of Argyll, on the rocky and beautiful western coast of Scotland. Prior to the frequent anglicization of the surname, the Russell Clan was an offshoot of the powerful and influential Campbell Clan. The MacEntyre Clan took on the leadership of the Campbell Clan, earning trust and devoting their loyalty to their chiefs.
Today, MacEntyre is a name that is found chiefly in Scotland and its “daughter countries” the United States and Canada. Those with the MacEntyre name tend to be loyal, fiercely independent, and genuine at heart, with a great sense for adventure.
MacEntyre is strongly tied to Scottish and Irish culture, encapsulating the spirit of resilience and determination of those that seek greater opportunities and a better life. A representation of courage and an unwavering sense of pride, the MacEntyre surname is a symbol of those whose ancestry hails from the isles of Scotland and a reminder of the strengths and values they hold dear.
Order DNA origin analysisMacEntyre: Where does the name MacEntyre come from?
The MacEntyre name is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic meaning "son of Aindrias". It is mostly found in Scotland, particularly around the Highlands area such as Inverness-shire. It is also common in parts of Ulster in Northern Ireland, and in the Isle of Man as well.
Over the centuries, many people with the MacEntyre name were known to have traveled from Scotland to other parts of the world, including Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. This means that the surname has spread over the globe, albeit with varying frequency.
Today, MacEntyre remains a fairly common surname in Scotland, particularly around the Highlands area. It is less common in Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. In Canada, parts of the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, the surname is generally still quite common. Other places, such as South Africa, have attracted fewer people with the MacEntyre surname.
In short, the surname MacEntyre can be found all over the world today. Its frequency, however, varies between different parts of the world, with it being especially common in Scotland and its old colonies.
Variations of the surname MacEntyre
The surname MacEntyre is derived from the Gaelic Mac an t-Saoir, which translates to "son of the craftsman". Variants of this name include MacAteer, Mackeater, MacKitter, McEnteer, McEntire, McIntyre, MacEntier, MacIntier, McIntier, and MacInturff.
Different spellings and variants of this name can be found in different parts of the world. In Scotland and Ireland, the name remains unchanged - MacEntyre. In Northern Ireland, the name is more commonly spelled MacAteer. In the United States, the name tends to be spelled MacKitter or McEntire. In Canada the name is usually spelled MacInturff.
Common surnames of the same origin include McKeon (from Mac Eoghain) and McGinty (from Mac an tSaoir). Other possibilities of the same origin include MacCormick (from Mac Cormaic) or McDonnell (from Mac Dhomhnaill).
Regardless of the spelling, all of these surnames have a shared Gaelic or Irish heritage. It is a testament to the cultural blending that has been a part of our world's history for centuries that these names have adapted and been adopted into so many different cultures.
Famous people with the name MacEntyre
- Thomas MacEntyre: an actor who has appeared in "Longmire" and "NCIS: Los Angeles”.
- Doug MacEntyre: former Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Darren MacEntyre: former Scottish footballer.
- Craig MacEntyre: Scottish contemporary art photographer.
- Derek MacEntyre: Scottish fiddle player based in the Highlands.
- Angus MacEntyre: Canadian dancer and choreographer.
- Mike MacEntyre: an American football coach and the current defensive coordinator at Northern Illinois University.
- David MacEntyre: Scottish football coach and former professional footballer.
- Ailbhe MacEntyre: contemporary Irish poet.
- Phil MacEntyre: former professional ice hockey player in the Elite Ice Hockey League.