Surname MacTavish - Meaning and Origin

MacTavish: What does the surname MacTavish mean?

The surname MacTavish is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic "MacTamhais". The prefix "Mac" means "son of", while "Tamhais" is a Gaelic version of the name Thomas. Therefore, the surname translates to "son of Thomas". It has roots in the Highlands of Scotland, particularly in the Argyll region where the clan MacTavish originated. The clan's history can be traced back as far as the 12th century. Over time, the spelling of the surname has varied and includes versions such as McTavish, Mactavish, Mctavish, Mactavis, and others. The MacTavish clan motto is "Non Oblitus" which translates to "Not Forgetful" in English, indicating the clan's respect for their heritage and lineage. Although the active clan ceased towards the end of the 18th century, the surname is still common today in Scotland and throughout the world due to Scottish diaspora.

MacTavish: Where does the name MacTavish come from?

The surname MacTavish is generally thought to have originated around the 13th century in Scotland. Though its exact origins are up for debate, the name is closely associated with Clan MacTavish of Dunardry, located in Argyll and Bute.

Today, MacTavish is a reasonably common surname found mostly in Scotland and throughout the British Isles. According to SurnameDB, it is among the top 1000 surnames in both Scotland and Ireland. The most common variations are MacTavish, Mactavish, and MacTavis. The surname is thought to have spread to other parts of the world—including Canada and the United States—as the result of the British colonial expansion in the 17th and 18th centuries.

People with the surname MacTavish can also be found in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and other countries with British ties. Additionally, it is possible to find the surname in former Soviet Union countries such as Belarus and Latvia, where many Scots-Irish migrated in the 19th century.

Overall, the surname MacTavish is still quite common, both in Scotland and beyond. Its prevalence in the English-speaking world is a testament to the legacy of Clan MacTavish, who continue to draw attention to the family’s long and proud history.

Variations of the surname MacTavish

The surname MacTavish is derived from the Gaelic personal name Támhas. Variants of this same surname include MacTamhais, MacTavish, MacTavuss, MacTavis, MacTavish of Lewis, MacTavish of Uist, and MacTavise. Other variants include MacTaggart, MacTaggart of Knapdale, MacTague, MacTaguey, MacTavers, MacTeal, MacTeals, MacTealan, MacTear, MacTearan, MacTearlach, MacTeas, MacTeaser, MacTearlach, MacTees, and MacTeggar.

The meanings of some of the variants can be quite varied. For example, MacTavish can be taken literally to mean "Son of Tamhas". The MacTear variant of the name has been identified as meaning "Son of the Carpenter" while MacTeal has been identified as meaning "The Son Who Hath Become Tamed".

The surname MacTavish is most commonly found in Scotland and Ireland. In Scotland it is most commonly found in places such as the Western Highlands, Western Isles, Argyll, and Lochaber. In Ireland it is found mainly in the Province of Ulster, particularly in Belfast.

The impact of MacTavish upon the cultures of the British Isles have been quite remarkable. The Clan MacTavish has long been a branch of the ancient Scottish Clan Campbell. The 11th century MacTavish chieftain was the father of Clan Campbell and was responsible for unifying the clan. The clan also played a major role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745. Today, the clan still continues to play a part in Scottish culture and continues to uphold its traditions.

Famous people with the name MacTavish

• Captain John MacTavish, portrayed by Kevin McKidd: character from the popular video game Call of Duty
• Rory MacTavish: character from the novel The Highlander Series
• Saffron MacTavish: character on the television show Reba
• Duke Robert MacTavish: character from the novel The Clan MacTavish
• Elinor MacTavish: character from the novel Home Front Girls
• Will MacTavish: character from the novel Fluke: or, I Know Why The Winged Whale Sings
• Duncan MacTavish: character from the novel Outlander
• Calum MacTavish: character from the television show Outlander
• Mackenzie MacTavish: character from the novel nudged
• Everett MacTavish: character from the novel fiery old times

Other surnames

Mactavis