Surname MacFarquahar - Meaning and Origin
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MacFarquahar: What does the surname MacFarquahar mean?
The last name MacFarquahar is derived from the Gaelic language and is a patronymic name meaning "son of Farquhar." Farquhar is an Anglicised version of the Old Gaelic name "Fearchar," which is comprised of two elements: "fear," meaning "man," and "char," meaning "dear" or "beloved." The name is a sign of respect traditionally used to refer to a strong and influential man.
The original form of MacFarquahar was "MacFearchar," which changed over time due to Gaelic spelling conventions. In modern times, the name is most commonly seen in Scotland and the Sottish Isles, where the MacFarquahar surname is often used to designate a clan or extended family.
The MacFarquahar family is thought to have had its origins in the coastal area of Argyll and Bute in Scotland, where the name first appeared as the patronymic form of the masculine-given name Farquhar. It's assumed that the family had Scottish and Viking origins, as the Vikings had a strong presence in the area from the 8th to 11th centuries.
The surname has become widespread throughout the world, and is now seen in many countries. It has also undergone different variations in spelling due to factors such as language and dialect changes, cultural differences, and shifting spelling conventions.
Order DNA origin analysisMacFarquahar: Where does the name MacFarquahar come from?
The last name of MacFarquahar is most commonly found in Scotland. It is likely derived from the ancient Gaelic name MacPharlain, meaning "son of the great leader". It has been a name in Scotland since the 11th century, and the Clan MacFarquhar is Scottish Clan with roots in Knapdale, Argyll.
Today, the surname of MacFarquar is still prevalent in Scotland, making up about 0.20% of its population. The majority of individuals with this surname live in Central and Southern Scotland, although there are still small pockets of communities in other parts of Scotland, such as the Highlands and Islands.
The majority of people with the name MacFarquahar are of Scottish descent, although some people may have adopted the name from other parts of the world as an adopted name. In recent times, the surname MacFarquahar has spread to other parts of the world, including the United States, Australia, and Canada, as a result of Scottish diaspora, making it an increasingly global name.
The name MacFarquahar is often associated with a strong work ethic, loyalty, and dependability. It can also be associated with a strong pride for one's heritage and an understanding and appreciation of Scotland's history. Individuals with this surname can usually be found participating in traditional Scottish cultural events such as Burns suppers and ceilidhs.
The name MacFarquahar is still popular today, although it is not as common as names like Smith and Jones. Individuals with the surname MacFarquahar have a unique opportunity to understand and appreciate their heritage to Scotland, and to celebrate their unique name.
Variations of the surname MacFarquahar
MacFarquahar is an anglicized form of the Scots Gaelic MacFearchar. The name originated in Scotland and means 'son of Farquhar'.
Variant spellings and forms of the same origin include MacFachear, MacFaghr, MacFearchar, MacFarkhar, MacFarkar, MacFarker, MacFarkur, MacFercher, MacFerchir, MacFerchear, MacFercar, MacFerkar, MacFerkur and MacVarquah.
Surnames with similar origins include MacFarquarson, MacJenners, MacFarlane, MacFadden, MacFadyen, MacFadzean, MacFarland, MacFarren, MacFarlane, MacFarlin and MacFarlane.
MacFarlane is the most common form in Scotland, but also a lesser-used variant in Northern Ireland where MacFadden is more common. In the North America, MacFarlane is the most common spelling, having become less anglicised with the passage of time.
MacFadyen and MacFarquarson are rare variants in Scotland, and they are both fairly uncommon in North America, but they can be found mainly in Canada and the United States.
In England, MacJenners is the best-known spelling, and it is quite rare, although it is not unheard of in certain areas.
The MacFarquahar spelling has received increasing prevalence due to emigration of Scots around the world, particularly to Australia, Canada, the United States and New Zealand.
Famous people with the name MacFarquahar
- Duncan MacFarquhar: renowned journalist, author and China watcher specializing in Chinese politics and culture
- James MacFarquhar: former member of Parliament for Dumfries Burghs
- Aeneas MacFarquhar: fictional character from the novel Clayhanger by Arnold Bennett
- Lesley MacFarquhar: Canadian journalist and author noted for her coverage of foreign policy and social issues
- Scott MacFarquhar: American media entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist
- Charles MacFarquhar: Scottish-born American businessman and founder of the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco)
- William MacFarquhar: 19th-century Scottish-American businessman and early partner in the development of Pittsburgh
- Alan MacFarquhar: British author and journalist. He is best known for writing the Sunday Times-bestselling Swallows and Amazons series of adventure novels
- Isabella MacFarquhar: American-born film actress
- Keval MacFarquhar: Scottish footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Arsenal, Manchester City, Portsmouth and Reading