Surname MacPaul - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacPaul: What does the surname MacPaul mean?
The surname MacPaul is often associated with a variety of nationalities and ethnic backgrounds. It is most typically found among those of Scottish heritage where it is thought to originate from the Gaelic Mac Phàil, meaning son of Paul. This MacPaul surname may also be found amongst the English, French, Irish, and other European backgrounds.
Those carrying the MacPaul surname are thought to descend from a Paul or their ancestor, who was likely a prominent figure in the community. This original Paul may have been a warrior, a politician, an important figure in the church, or even a settler. Over time, the name was adopted and adapted by families all over the world.
Today, those who bear the MacPaul surname can be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and many other countries across the globe. There are likely descendants in every corner of the world, each carrying on the legacy of the original Paul and his family.
The name MacPaul carries with it a sense of nostalgia, strength, and community, symbolizing the legacy of those strong family ties that stretch back hundreds of years. This is testament to how the bonds of family can transcend cultures, nations, and time.
Order DNA origin analysisMacPaul: Where does the name MacPaul come from?
The last name MacPaul is most commonly found in Scotland and Ireland. In Scotland, the name is associated with the ancient MacPaul Clan that dates back to the 10th century. In Ireland, the MacPaul family originated in County Mayo and County Sligo and is most commonly found in the population of those two counties. The name has also spread throughout Canada, as many families of Scottish and Irish descent emigrated there during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is most commonly found in the provinces of Ontario and Nova Scotia, though there are likely MacPauls in other regions of the country too. In the United States, the MacPaul name is most prevalent in areas that have historically seen a lot of Scottish and Irish immigration, such as South Carolina, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas. There are MacPauls scattered throughout the country, though the name is less common than in Scotland and Ireland.
Variations of the surname MacPaul
The surname MacPaul is a predominantly Scottish name derived from the Gaelic MacPhail, which is itself derived from the Gaelic words “mac” meaning “son of” and “pail” meaning “noble one”.
Variant spellings of MacPaul include MacPhail, MacPail, and MacPhell. The surnames MacFaell, MacFale, MacFall, MacFie, MacHael, MacKey, MacKie, and MacKye all have the same origin as MacPaul. In some records, MacPaul may appear as Pail, Paul, Phail,+Phael, Piall, Piels, Ply, and Poll.
When the Gaelic language was anglicised in the 17th century, many names underwent spelling changes and variations. MacPaul is no exception and many anglicised spellings ofMacPaul include MacPhail, MacPhoull, MacPole, MacRaw, MacRow, MacRae, MacRay, MacRae and MacRhee.
Each of these spellings of MacPaul has been carried down through the generations, either in Scotland or other countries around the world where Scottish people may have moved. In some cases, MacPauls may have adopted different surnames altogether, such as Williams, Willson, Phelan, Phillips, etc., due to the fact that some names were anglicised in different ways or simply changed for other reasons.
In summary, MacPaul is an ancient and widely dispersed surname of Scottish origin that has many spellings, variants, and derivatives, such as MacPhail, MacPail, MacPhell, MacFaell, MacFale, MacFall, MacFie, MacHael, MacKey, MacKie, MacKye, Pail, Paul, Phail, Phael, Piall, Piels, Ply, Poll, MacPhoull, MacPole, MacRaw, MacRow, MacRae, MacRay, MacRae and MacRhee.
Famous people with the name MacPaul
- Paul MacCausland: Canadian ice hockey player
- Bruce MacFarlane: Canadian politician
- David Macaulay: British author and illustrator
- MattMacaulay: American actor
- Billy Macaulay: Australian actor
- Gord MacPherson: Canadian hockey coach
- Graham MacPherson: British jazz musician
- William C. Macaulay: Canadian real estate developer
- Allan Macaulay: Scottish football player and manager
- Ameenah Macaulay: Jamaican singer and songwriter