Surname Mactavis - Meaning and Origin

Mactavis: What does the surname Mactavis mean?

The last name Mactavis is believed to be of Scottish origin and is derived from the personal name MacTavish, which was commonly found in the West Highlands during Medieval times. According to one source, the name is derived from the Gaelic Mac Tamhais, which translates to “son of the chieftain.”

In some cases, the origin of the name is thought to trace back to a Scottish Clan descendant of King Fearchar, who reigned from 1371-1390. This legendary King is said to have been the 12th Laird of Mactavis, and the head of the Clan MacTavish.

Today, there are many variations of the native name around the world, including Mactavish, McCavish, McTavish, MacTavish, MacTavis, and MacTavish. The Mactavis spelling is the rarest among these.

The surname Mactavis is believed to be most prevalent in Scotland, and in some parts of Ireland and Canada. People with this surname tend to be concentrated in the regions of North Lanarkshire, Aberdeenshire, and Scotland’s Western Isles. In the United States, the surname is believed to be most commonly found in the states of New York, Missouri, and Minnesota, as well as Texas and California.

While the exact origin of the Mactavis name remains unclear, it is a strong and proud Scottish name, with origins dating back to Medieval times. It is an identity that has been passed down through generations, connecting many families around the world to this shared history.

Mactavis: Where does the name Mactavis come from?

The last name Mactavis is most commonly found today in England. The Mactavis name originated in Scotland, having first been recorded in the 1200s in Dunbartonshire, Scotland. Over the centuries, the name has spread all over the world, with people of the Mactavis surname being found in many countries, including England.

In England, Mactavis is a relatively common last name. It is most often found in cities and large towns, especially those in the Midlands and the south of England. It is also more common among the population of East and South Asian heritage.

Mactavis is a name with a long standing history and connection to Scotland, and it has been passed down for centuries. As the name has spread with the movement of people, it has become more widespread in England. The Mactavis name is a proud one, connecting many around the world to their Scottish roots, and its history and presence is alive and well in England today.

Variations of the surname Mactavis

The surname MacTavis, also spelled MacTavish, is a classic Scottish surname that is associated with the Scottish clans of Campbell, MacDonald and MacDonald of Clanranald. The name is derived from the Gaelic word 'Mac Thabhis,' which means 'son of the son.' The name is strongly associated with the North of Scotland and the Hebridean Isles, most closely linked with the County of Argyll.

Variations in spelling include MacTavish, MacTavey, MacTavish, MacTavius, McCawish, McTavis, and O'Tavish. The family name was originally spelled 'MacTavish' but in recent times has been varied according to wherever the family has settled.

Surnames of similar origin that share the same root include MacTavish, MacTavish, MacTeigue, MacTear, MacTevish, and MacTenters. All of these names, variations, and spellings of the surname MacTavis descend from the Gaelicclan chieftains of MacThabhis, and the numerous clans that derived from him.

The Scottish clans that shared the MacTavis surname included the Campbells, MacDonalds, MacDonalds of Clanranald, the Maclarens of Kingairloch, the Macleans of Duart, the MacLeans of Lochbuie, the Macdougalls of Dunollie, the Maclachlans of Strathlachlan, and the Macnabs of MacNab.

The family of MacTavis has a long and storied history, with many prominent families having descended from the Gaelic chieftain Mac Thabhis. Though the spelling of the name has changed throughout the centuries, the long-standing Scottish heritage has been maintained by the many people who carry this iconic surname.

Famous people with the name Mactavis

• Tory Lanez (rapper and singer),
• Mac Davis (singer-songwriter and actor),
• Jack McTavish (actor, director, and editor),
• Bill McTavish (founding member of the Doobie Brothers),
• Bryan McTavish (former NFL tight end),
• Louie McTavish (blues musician and songwriter),
• Rory McTavish (running back for the Green Bay Packers),
• Clay McTavish (MLB pitcher),
• Dean McTavish (professional ice hockey player),
• Chuck McTavish (former head coach of the NFL's Buffalo Bills),
• Lenny McTavish (drag racing driver).

Other surnames

MacTavertMacTavish