Surname MacIntyre - Meaning and Origin

MacIntyre: What does the surname MacIntyre mean?

The surname MacIntyre is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic "Mac an t-Saoir" which roughly translates to "son of the craftsman" or "son of the carpenter". This suggests that the earliest bearers of this surname may have been artisans or skilled laborers. The name is particularly associated with two clans in western Scotland, one located in Glenoe and the other on the Isle of Skye. The MacIntyre clan of Glenoe is said to have descended from Maurice MacNeil, a notable stone mason. Over centuries, the name underwent numerous changes in spelling, which include MacIntire, MacIntere, and McIntyre, becoming widespread across Scotland and Ireland. Many bearers of the surname migrated during the era of the Highland Clearances in the 19th century, spreading the name worldwide, particularly in nations like the United States, Canada, and Australia. Today, the surname MacIntyre is common globally, yet remains a powerful symbol of Scottish heritage.

MacIntyre: Where does the name MacIntyre come from?

The surname MacIntyre has its origins in Scotland. The name is derived from Gaelic, specifically from the term "Mac an t-Saoir" which translates to "son of the carpenter or wright". This name was primarily associated with a Scottish clan, Clan MacIntyre, a highland clan from the district of Lorn in Argyll, Scotland.

Despite its Scottish roots, the MacIntyre surname has spread to various parts of the world due to emigration, particularly during the Highland Clearances of the 18th and 19th centuries when many Scottish families were dispossessed of their lands. Today, the surname MacIntyre is common in countries with considerable populations of Scottish descendants. These countries include the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, the surname is still quite prevalent in Scotland, especially in regions such as Argyll and Bute, and the Western Isles. It's important to note that variations of the name, including McIntyre, Macintyre, and Mcintyre, exist and are distributed globally, all tracing back to the same Scottish heritage.

Variations of the surname MacIntyre

The surname MacIntyre is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word 'Mac an t-Saoir' which means 'son of the carpenter.' Over time, as the name spread and language evolved, many variants and alternate spellings of this surname emerged.

Some of the most common variants and spellings of MacIntyre include McIntyre, MacIntire, MacIntre, MacIntyer, McIntire, McEntire, and M'Intyre. Some other less common variations include Mackintire, Mackentyre, Mackintyre, M'Kyntire, and M'Intire.

Sometimes, the prefixes "Mac" or "Mc" might be dropped leading to variations like Intyre or Intire. The spellings can also change based on regional dialects and historical transcription errors.

The surname also varies across different countries, translated or phonetically spelled based on the local language. For instance, in Ireland, the surname has been Gaelicized to Mac an tSaoir.

It's also worth noting the same surname can sometimes originate from different clans or regions, leading to different family histories while sharing the same or similar surnames.

Famous people with the name MacIntyre

• Colin MacIntyre: Scottish musician, formerly with the band Mull Historical Society and now a solo artist
• Lewis MacIntyre: British documentary filmmaker
• Neil MacIntyre: Scottish writer and journalist based in London
• Dylan MacIntyre: Canadian actor from Vancouver
• Kenneth MacIntyre: Canadian lawyer and Conservative Member of Parliament
• Robert MacIntyre: Scottish professional golfer
• Finlay MacIntyre: Scottish television presenter
• Joseph MacIntyre: American serial entrepreneur
• Ruth MacIntyre:American playwright and dramaturg 10.Laurence MacIntyre: Canadian actor and director 11.Hal MacIntyre: Canadian hockey player 12.Richard MacIntyre: American actor and voice actor 13.Lachlan MacIntyre: Scottish poet, novelist, and musician 14.Gwendolyn MacIntyre: Canadian theater artist and director 15.Buyelwa MacIntyre: South African-born actor and film director

Other surnames

MacIntyres