Surname MacKintosh - Meaning and Origin

MacKintosh: What does the surname MacKintosh mean?

The last name MacKintosh is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic form of the name, Mac an Tòisich. This translates to “son of the leader” and was applied to people who used to hold a leadership position. It likely stems from the chief of the Clan Mackintosh, the chiefs of the Clan Chattan, which was an alliance of Highland clans. The family has had a long and proud history of military service, having played a prominent role in numerous battles throughout Scotland's history.

The Mackintosh family can trace its lineage back to 1212 when it first became associated with the Clan Chattan. Over the years, the Mackintoshes rose to prominence, and were specialized in both military and political activities. Throughout the 17th century, the family played a pivotal role in the Jacobite Rebellions, and the name was also associated with the legal profession in Scotland.

The surname MacKintosh is also seen as a popular name in North America, due to Scottish immigration and the clans' far-reaching influence in the United States and Canada. Many Mackintoshes descended from Scottish Highlanders who left their home country for better opportunities in the New World.

Today, Mackintosh is a popular surname worldwide - a testament to the family’s lasting influence in Scotland and abroad.

MacKintosh: Where does the name MacKintosh come from?

The last name MacKintosh is primarily associated with Scotland and is often referred to as a sept of the Clan Mackenzie. It is still very common throughout the modern day in Scotland, both in the Highlands and in the Lowlands.

As the Clan Mackenzie is one of the largest of the Highland Clans and their power spread throughout Northern Scotland, many of its members moved to other parts of the country, either through marriage or inter-clan negotiations. It is for this reason, that the last name MacKintosh can be found throughout Scotland, particularly in places such as Aberdeenshire, Inverness-shire, Sutherlandshire, and the East Coast. Additionally, it can often be found in other parts of the British Isles, such as Northern Ireland, England, and Wales.

With the effects of the Highland Clearances and Industrial Revolution, many Scots traveled away from their homeland in search of a better life, bringing the last name with them. It is for this reason, that MacKintosh can now also be found around the world, from the United States of America, to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Given its close ties to Scotland, the last name MacKintosh is still deeply rooted in Scotland’s culture and history, though its influence is ever growing.

Variations of the surname MacKintosh

The surname MacKintosh (or Mackintosh) is a Scottish surname, derived from the Gaelic language and meaning “son of the chief”. There are several variants of the surname, which can be used to trace one’s ancestry, including MacKinstosh, MacKency, MacKinzie, MacKinney, MacKinlay, and MacKinder. There are also alternate spellings of the surname, such as MacIntosch, MacIntoch, and Machintosh.

The surname is found mostly in the lowlands of Scotland, particularly in the region of Perthshire. Individuals with this surname often carry the tartan of the Clan MacKintosh, a tartan of deep blue with a distinctive red plaid border. The MacKintosh crest features a hand holding a sword, signifying “valor and fortitude”.

The surname MacKintosh is often anglicised to other forms. For example, in Ireland, the surname may become Kennedy or McKinney. Similarly, the surname may become MacCully in Japan. In other countries, MacKintosh might become MacKenzie, Mackeson, MacEwan, MacKinney, Makepeace, or McKinlay.

Although this surname is found predominantly in Scotland, it can be found in other countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. DNA testing can be used to determine one’s place in the Clan MacKintosh and reveal further variants of the surname.

In conclusion, the surname MacKintosh has several variants, alternate spellings, and surnames related to it used across the world. These surname variations can be used to trace one’s Scottish ancestry and reveal where one fits within the Clan MacKintosh.

Famous people with the name MacKintosh

• Lachlan Mackintosh: Scottish actor and producer, best known for playing Owen Price in the Netflix series 'The A List.'
• Siobhan Mackintosh: English actress, known chiefly for her role as Lila West in ‘Deduction’.
• Gayle MacKintosh: Scottish chef and television presenter; one of the first female TV chefs in the UK.
• Duncan MacKintosh: Scottish actor, known for his roles in 'The 39 Steps', 'Hamish McBeth' and 'Monarch of the Glen'.
• Robbie MacKintosh: Australian musician and producer, bassist and vocalist of the rock band The Sleepy Jackson.
• Angus MacKintosh: Scottish historian and antiquarian, best known for his 'A Chronological Dynamics of Scots Scots Law'.
• Callum MacKintosh: British actor, known for his roles in 'Crashed', 'Skins' and 'Doctors'.
• Bonnie MacKintosh: Scottish actress and musician, best known for her roles in 'Still Game' and 'Chewin' the Fat'.
• Charles MacKintosh: Scottish scientist, best known for his research in the application of waterproof fabrics.
• Craig Mackintosh: British musician and composer, best known as the co-founder of electronic music duo Heaven 17.

Other surnames

MacKinty