Surname MacGrath - Meaning and Origin

MacGrath: What does the surname MacGrath mean?

The surname MacGrath has Irish origins and it is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Raith. The prefix 'Mac' means 'son of' and 'Raith' translates to 'grace' or 'prosperity'. Therefore, the complete meaning of MacGrath is 'son of grace' or 'son of prosperity'. This name was prominent in Ireland among descendants who believed that they are the offspring of a prosperous or gracious ancestor. It reflects attributes such as prosperity, generosity, and nobility that would have been associated with their forbears. Like other Irish surnames, different branches of the MacGrath clans spread out across various parts of Ireland, predominantly in the regions of Ulster and Munster.

MacGrath: Where does the name MacGrath come from?

The surname MacGrath is of Irish origin and originated in the province of Ulster. It is derived from the Gaelic "MacGraith", which translates to "Son of Grace." The MacGrath clan was noted for their scholarly pursuits in Irish history and was involved in religious and literary aspects of Celtic society. Historically, they were known to be scribes, poets and historians.

Today, the surname MacGrath and its variations (such as McGrath, Magrath, and McGraw) are known to be quite common in areas where Irish immigrants settled, primarily in English-speaking countries such as Ireland itself, the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. According to the 1901 Census in Ireland, the most McGraths were found in Clare, Tipperary and Waterford, which suggests a shift from the original Ulster roots. Interestingly, the surname is now more common in the Munster province of Ireland than its original homeland of Ulster. Scholars suggest that this could potentially be due to the migration of the MacGrath clan in the early 14th century.

Variations of the surname MacGrath

The surname MacGrath has a number of variations and spellings, representing its roots as a clan name in the Irish and Scottish Gaelic cultures. It originates from the Gaelic "Mac Craith", meaning son of Grace. As different branches of the family spread throughout Ireland and Scotland, the spelling and pronunciation often changed to suit the local dialect.

Common variations and spellings are McGrath, MacGrath, Magrath, McGraw, and McGragh. It can also be found as MacGraw, MacGraith, MacGrauth, and MacCreath. Additionally, the Anglicization process of the name has given rise to simplified spellings such as M'Grath or M'Graw.

It is also important to note variations in capitalization and the presence or absence of the apostrophe, such as in McGrath and Mc'Grath. There's also incorporation of “Fitz” prefix in some versions, resulting in names like FitzGrath or FitzMcGrath.

In Scotland, the surname was also variably linked to the Grant clan. In some instances the name may have been rendered into variations of Grant, such as MacGrant.

Finally, surname variants can often vary by regional usage, so local dialects or language influences may have also produced unique variations.

Famous people with the name MacGrath

• Chris MacGrath: Chris MacGrath is an American actor, best known for his recurring roles in popular shows such as Saturday Night Live and The Office.
• Mackenzie MacGrath: Mackenzie MacGrath was a Canadian figure skater who won a bronze medal at the 1984 Winter Olympics.
• Kaitlyn MacGrath: Kaitlyn MacGrath is a Canadian actress who has starred in shows including DeGrassi Junior High and Voice From the Stone.
• Skye MacGrath: Skye MacGrath is a Canadian fashion designer best known for her eponymous line of clothing as well as appearing in the show Project Runway Canada.
• Zander MacGrath: Zander MacGrath is an American rapper and producer who has released albums such as Wave Theory and Stratos.
• May MacGrath: May MacGrath was a Canadian poet and playwright whose work is featured in the volume, Woman's Work in Canada.
• Jerrik MacGrath: Jerrik MacGrath is a Canadian actor who appeared as 'Sully' in the television series Godiva's and also on the show Waking Up Windows.
• Ashley MacGrath: Ashley MacGrath is an American swimmer who has qualified several times for the U.S. Olympic trials.
• Eamon MacGrath: Eamon MacGrath is a Canadian musician who has performed with bands such as Babylon Warchild and P.G. Six.
• Blue MacGrath: Blue MacGrath is an Australian actor who has appeared in films such as Mad Max: Fury Road and The Great Gatsby.

Other surnames

MacGraw