Surname MacQuatters - Meaning and Origin

MacQuatters: What does the surname MacQuatters mean?

The last name MacQuatters is derived from the Gaelic Mac Thriutir, translating literally to "son of Thriutir." Although the specifics of its origin are unknown, the surname likely originated in medieval Scotland and is most commonly found in the Scottish Highlands. Some believe that it is derived from Scottish Clan Chattan, a group of allied clans.

The surname has also been recorded as MacCotter, MacKoter, and MacCarter. The spelling has evolved over time, likely due to translations and cultural shifts across the British Isles. In today’s population, the surname is fairly rare but can still be found throughout Europe in countries like Scotland, Ireland, England, Wales, and even the Netherlands.

MacQuatters families have a long history, beginning in the 16th century in Scotland. Over the following centuries, they have spread across the world and intermingled with other European cultures. The family is renowned for their strength and spirit, and many descendants have gone on to achieve great success as entrepreneurs, politicians, teachers, and frontiersmen. While the history of the MacQuatters family remains largely unknown, its members carry on its legacy with pride.

MacQuatters: Where does the name MacQuatters come from?

The surname MacQuatters is most commonly found in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The derivation of the name is believed to come from an Old Scottish Gaelic language term ‘Mhic Ghearaltaigh’, which has the meaning of son of Gerard, a common personal name within the region.

Other versions that appear in records are MacQuarrie, McQuater, MacQuater and Magharty. These variants appear in Scotland, however, are found much less frequently than the original form of the name, MacQuatters. It is believed to have become more common in Northern Ireland due to the various Scots families who moved to the region during the Plantation of Ulster in the mid-1600s.

The surname MacQuatters can also be found in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. It is likely that in all these countries, the origin of the surname came from Scotland or Northern Ireland. Those with the last name MacQuatters could be descendants of people who emigrated from Scotland or Northern Ireland during the 1700s or 1800s to start a new life in another country.

It is estimated that today, around 5000 people share the surname MacQuatters in Scotland, with far fewer holding the name in the other countries.

Variations of the surname MacQuatters

The surname MacQuatters is a variant of the Scottish clan surname MacWhirter or MacVurrich. It is an Anglicized form of the Scottish Gaelic MacUruisg. The surname is found in Scotland and in northern Ireland.

The different spellings and surnames of the same origin are MacQuarter, MacWhirter, MacVurrich, MacQurter, MacQuoid, McCourt, MacCoirt, McCurrich, McCuirt, McCuarrier, McCuirren, and MacVorrich.

The MacQuarters are descended from a line of Clan Chattan, a confederation of 12 clans from the western highlands of Scotland. These clans were descended from Robert, son of Mael Íosa, who was granted the lands Strathdon and Donside in the 12th century. MacQuarters have long been a part of Clan Chattan, firmly establishing them as an important part of Clan Chattan’s history and identity.

The MacUruisg also had a lasting impact on the area. One of their most important contributions was the establishment of the Kincardine ferry, which was the longest running ferry route in Scotland. The ferry provided goods and passengers transportation between the northern and western coastlines of Scotland and their respective islands for centuries.

Overall, MacQuarters and its variants are important parts of Scotland’s history and culture. It is one of many of the many surnames of which Scotland can proudly boast.

Famous people with the name MacQuatters

• John McQuatters: He was a Scotland-born American soldier and a Medal of Honor recipient during the Indian Wars.
• Alexander McQuatters: He served as a member of the Montana state legislature from 1895 to 1899.
• Guy McQuatters: He was a former professional Canadian Football League player. He is the father of retired Canadian Football League player Stanley McQuatters.
• Maria McQuatters: She is a British-born food scholar and founder of the McQuatters Institute for Food and Nutrition Study.
• Charlie McQuatters: He is an American college football coach, currently serving as head coach at Dixie State University in Utah.
• Stan McQuatters: He is a retired professional Canadian Football League player and the son of Guy McQuatters.
• Lauren McQuatters: She is a professional triathlete from London, UK.
• Talitha McQuatters: She is an American photographer and environmental activist.
• Preet McQuatters: She is a wildlife biologist and conservation specialist.
• Lorraine McQuatters: She is an award-winning broadcast journalist and anchor for KARE 11 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Other surnames

MacQuatter