Surname MacTorley - Meaning and Origin
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MacTorley: What does the surname MacTorley mean?
The surname MacTorley is a patronymic name of Scottish origins. The name means "son of Torley" or "descendant of Torley," with Torley being a first or medieval name with unknown meaning. The meaning may have originally derived from the name Thorley or Torley, believed to be of Old Norse origin.
The MacTorley name originates from the ancient Scottish-Gaelic Clan Mac a'Tòraidh, meaning “son of the Thor or Thunder”. The clan is derived from the larger Clan MacDonald of Keppoch, which is a branch of the larger Clan Donald. The Clan Donald was one of the oldest and largest highland clans in Scotland, and they occupied land along the west coast of Scotland.
The name MacTorley is not a common name, but can be found all across the United Kingdom particularly in Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland and England. Over the centuries, bearers of the name have established themselves in various locales, advancing in society and growing their family. Many bearers of the name MacTorley have shaped the world in the fields of politics, law, the military, science, literature, education, sports, entertainment and more.
Order DNA origin analysisMacTorley: Where does the name MacTorley come from?
The last name MacTorley is of Scottish origin. It is derived from a Gaelic surname, which was most commonly found in Scottish Highland clans. The name is thought to have been derived from the ancient Scottish term “mactire” meaning son of the clan chief or leader. The last name MacTorley is still common in Scotland today, especially in the north and west of the country. In addition to Scotland, many people with the last name MacTorley can be found in Canada, Ireland, Australia, and the United States.
In the United States, the last name MacTorley is particularly common in closely-knit Scottish-American communities, particularly in areas of the Midwest and Northeast. Many of these communities are persisting from the early 19th century when Scots-Irish immigrants first started arriving in larger numbers. For example, the surname can still be heard frequently in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Metropolitan Area, which is known as a major immigrant destination for Scots-Irish people since the early 1800s.
Although it is less common today, MacTorley is still a recognizable Scottish surname. It is associated with a proud and industrious Highland clan, and many people with this last name still carry on its legacy in Scotland, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and the United States.
Variations of the surname MacTorley
MacTorley is a Scottish surname that originates from the Gaelic name Mac Thoirbheartaigh, meaning "son of Thorbjorn". There are many variants of the MacTorley surname, which are spellings of this same Gaelic name. These variants include: MacThorbhaigh, MacThormaid, MacThurleigh, MacTurlaigh, MacTirelagh, MacTorlach, MacTurlich, MacTurlough, MacThorbheartach, MacThorburn, MacThorburne, MacThorpe, MacTorbett, MacThorpey, and MacTurley.
The various surnames can also take on different spellings depending on the time period in which they were used, as languages and spellings evolve over the centuries. These variations include MacTavish, MacTurley, MacTurly, MacTirley, MacTurley, MacTerley, MacTorley, MacTerlie, MacTavie, and MacTweely.
Other surnames with similar origins, though not the same, include: McCorley, MacJimmy, MacGorry, MacArley, MacKerley, MacElfley, and MacFarlie.
In conclusion, MacTorley is a Scottish surname that is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Thoirbheartaigh, whose many variants include spellings and surnames of a similar origin.
Famous people with the name MacTorley
- Richard MacTorley, British actor best known for his role in the television series The Flame Trees of Thika
- Gillian MacTorley, Canadian artist known for her works in metal sculpture and jewelry
- Dave MacTorley, British hockey player who participated in multiple Winter Olympics
- Patricia MacTorley, American attorney and politician who served as a state representative in Michigan
- Jessica MacTorley, American film and theater actress
- Simon MacTorley, English actor known for his roles in the films The Witching Hour and Chariots of Fire
- Stuart MacTorley, English television presenter and producer best known for his work on the long-running quiz show, Sale of the Century
- Scott MacTorley, British actor known for his roles in films such as Gangster No. 1 and Bright Young Things
- Olivia MacTorley, British artist who has created countless pieces of art depicting her alter-ego, The Hairy Witch
- Christopher MacTorley, Australian comedian and actor known for his appearances on shows such as The Footy Show and The Comedy Company