Surname MacTauge - Meaning and Origin

MacTauge: What does the surname MacTauge mean?

The last name MacTauge is a Scottish name derived from the Gaelic MacTuaith or MacTuath. This surname first appeared in Scotland in the 13th century, and it is believed to be derived from a personal byname meaning "son of Tothe". Tothe is likely a nickname derived from the Old Norse element 'tothi' meaning “conqueror, fighter, or bull.”

The MacTauges were initially recorded as a sept of Clan Douglas and were closely associated with the crown. They were amongst the four organisations that were authorized to raise militia during the reign of Robert the Bruce in the 14th century. In later years, the surname MacTauge could be found in such areas as Stirlingshire, Ayrshire, and Dumfriesshire.

In modern times, this surname is associated with families of Scottish origin living throughout the world, and many of those individuals still hold onto the clan’s proud Scottish heritage. MacTauge families have been known for their immense influence on politics, as well as their contributions to the sciences and arts.

Today, the MacTauge surname is a testament to the proud and rich Scottish heritage that is held within Scottish families worldwide. The legacy of this surname remains strong, and it is often seen as a reminder of the skill and greatness of those bearing the name of MacTauge.

MacTauge: Where does the name MacTauge come from?

The last name MacTauge is a Scottish surname derived from the Old Gaelic personal name ‘Mac Thógg’, which was common in the Highlands and Isles of Scotland during the late Middle Ages. It is generally accepted that MacTauge is a variant of the surname MacToag or MacTaggart. The name is found all over the British Isles, however today the name is mostly concentrated in Scotland.

According to the 2019 Scotland census, people with the last name MacTauge make up around 0.003% of the population, meaning there is an estimated 450 people who still bear the name in Scotland today. The highest preponderance of MacTauge can be found in Dundee, followed by Glasgow and Inverness. Other nations show a lower prevalence, with England showing around 0.001%, Northern Ireland 0.0002%, and Wales a modest 0.00004%.

There is no indication that MacTauge is diminishing in frequency, and its prevalence can be seen in modern day Scotland. Despite the decline in traditional basic industries, it is a durable name which has stood the harsh winds of changing times and has stayed within the population. A search of recent birth records reveal that though babies with the last name MacTauge are relatively rare, the name does appear with moderate frequency in Scottish births.

Variations of the surname MacTauge

MacTauge is an Irish surname of Gaelic origin. The name is derived from the Irish Gaelic Mactog, meaning "son of the log digger." Variants of MacTauge include MacTague, MacToghe and MacTag. The name can also be spelled MacToghe, MacTag, MacTaghe, MacTog and MacTogue.

Surnames of the same origin as MacTauge include MacTeaag, MacTearg, MacTeeg, MacTollg, MacTollan, MacTollor, MacTolman, MacTormey and MacTormney. They are all derived from the Gaelic Mactog, meaning "son of the log digger."

MacTauge is also linked to the surname MacTague or MacTeague. This name is derived from the Gaelic Mac an tSagairt, meaning "son of the priest" or Mac an tSaor, meaning "son of the craftsman." It is also tied to the Connacht Irish name O Taidhg or O Tighe, which are Anglicized versions of the Irish name O Tadhg, meaning "son of Tadhg."

In Scotland, MacTauge is connected to the surname MacTeague or MacTeeg. This variation of the surname originated in the Lothian region, where it is found to this day. The Gaelic name for the Lothians is Louthe, with the prefix Mac meaning "son of." Thus, the surname MacTeeg or MacTeague can be roughly translated as "son of the Lothians."

Despite variation in spelling and various surnames of the same origin, all of them stem from the same Gaelic root. It is believed that most of these variations of MacTauge and related surnames originated in County Mayo, Ireland.

Famous people with the name MacTauge

• Peter MacTauge: Australian actor and musician, best known for playing Len Lothian in the Aussie soap opera Neighbours
• Ewan MacTauge: Scottish actor, who has appeared in the films Calibre, Instant, and Under the Skin
• Robert MacTauge: British actor, whose film work includes playing the lead role in the Interrogation of Eugene Smart
• Angie MacTauge: Canadian singer and songwriter from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
• John MacTauge: American country music singer, who had a top 40 hit on the country music charts in the mid 1990s
• Andrew MacTauge: Australian footballer who played for the Melbourne Football Club in the late 1980s
• Mark MacTauge: English footballer who plays for Conference North team Hyde
• Karl MacTauge: German-born artist and Formula One racing car designer who worked for McLaren in the 1970s
• Fred MacTauge: British film director who directed the 1969 movie, Song of Norway
• Barbara MacTauge: American author and playwright, best known for her bestselling novel, The Prince and the Pauper

Other surnames

MacTause