Surname MacRoberts - Meaning and Origin

MacRoberts: What does the surname MacRoberts mean?

The last name MacRoberts is of Scottish origin and is derived from a patronymic name associated with the Gaelic personal name 'MacRuairidh', which translates to 'son of Rory'. This patronymic surname was frequently found in the highlands of Scotland during the early medieval period. The surname was also linked to various historical clans who shared a common ancestor.

The MacRoberts surname was first found in Ayrshire, Scotland, where they were recorded as a family of great antiquity. The family were part of the Clan Donald and had lands in Islay and Argyll, as well as in the Isle of Man. Historically, the clan was originally known as the MacRorys, a branch of the MacDonalds of Sleat. In 1745, the MacRorys changed their name to MacRoberts in order to distance themselves from the Jacobite cause.

At the beginning of the 19th century, the MacRoberts were a powerful family in their region, and their influence was spread far beyond their native land. The MacRoberts surname has since been found in many parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe. The name is a reminder of less turbulent times in Scotland's history and is still found in large numbers in Scotland and its diaspora today.

MacRoberts: Where does the name MacRoberts come from?

The last name MacRoberts is most commonly found in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Scotland is home to the largest population of people with the last name MacRoberts. Many MacRoberts have their family's roots in Scotland, dating back centuries.

The MacRoberts name is sometimes Anglicized to Roberts, and is also sometimes found as MacRobbie or MacRobb. Other variations of the name include "Robie" and "Robb," which can also be found throughout Scotland.

The MacRoberts family was originally descended from the most powerful highl and clans in Scotland, striving for the crown of Scotland for centuries. The most notable MacRoberts was Sir Archibald MacRoberts, a powerful ally of King Robert the Bruce.

Today, MacRoberts can be found throughout the UK and Ireland, including Scotland, England, Ireland, and Wales. MacRoberts can also be found in the United States, Canada, and a number of other countries around the world.

Despite the global reach of MacRoberts, their Scottish roots remain strong. It is still common today for a MacRoberts to experience a strong connection to the highland clans of Scotland. Knowing their ancestry can give a MacRoberts a sense of pride and belonging.

Variations of the surname MacRoberts

The surname MacRoberts is derived from the Gaelic element 'Mac' meaning 'son of'. It is also sometimes spelled as McRoberts or Roberts, making the patronymic forms of it MacRobirt, McRobirt and Robirt. In Scotland, the MacRoberts surname has been present since the early 13th century.

The earliest clan with the name is thought to have originated in the Lower Kyle district of Ayrshire. The area has connections to various other Scottish clans and families, thus several other popular variants have developed over the years. These include MacRobb, MacRobbeth, MacRobett, MacRobie, MacRobie, MacRobieson, MacRobillard, MacRobinson, MacRobson, MacRobey and MacRorie, amongst many others.

The spelling of MacRoberts has also changed over time due to the introduction of the English alphabet to Scotland in the 14th century, with spellings such as Meroberts, MacRobart, MacRobret, McRobrts, MacRobard, MacRobards, Rabert, Robertes, MacRoburst and MacRobus becoming common.

Due to various migrations, the MacRoberts surname is now found in many countries around the world. Amongst these, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, Canada, the United States, New Zealand and South Africa have the highest populations of MacRoberts today.

Famous people with the name MacRoberts

• Angus MacRoberts: a Canadian barrister, judge, co-founder of Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt, and lieutenant governor of Ontario.
• James G. MacRoberts: a Canadian chartered accountant and philanthropist.
• Rosemary MacRoberts: an American librarian and academic.
• Duncan MacRoberts: an Australian chemist and diplomat.
• Alexander MacRoberts: a Canadian politician who served as a Member of Parliament.
• Mary MacRoberts: an American writer of children’s books.
• Robert L. MacRoberts: an American physicist and professor at Stanford University.
• Gordon MacRoberts: a Canadian poet, fiction writer, playwright, and educator.
• John MacRoberts: a Canadian politician, lawyer, and judge.
• Douglas MacRoberts: a New Zealand entomologist and academic.
• David MacRoberts: an American aviator and flying instructor.
• Jeffrey MacRoberts: an American musician and composer.
• Nellie MacRoberts: an American author and journalist.
• Wallace MacRoberts: a Canadian politician and Member of Parliament.
• Roger MacRoberts: a Canadian police officer and meteorologist.
• Kenneth MacRoberts: a Canadian journalist and war reporter.
• Dorothy MacRoberts: a Canadian horticulturist and curator.
• Bob MacRoberts: a Canadian hockey player and coach.
• Simon MacRoberts: a British poet and playwright.
• Rory MacRoberts: an American actor and comedian.

Other surnames

MacRobeartaigheMacRobert