Surname MacUchtry - Meaning and Origin

MacUchtry: What does the surname MacUchtry mean?

The last name MacUchtry is an anglicized spelling of the Irish surname Mac Uchtuir, which means the son (Mac) of Uchtur. Uchtur is a forename of uncertain origin, although some believe it comes from the Old Irish word for ‘udder’, an anatomical term for the mammary gland. Another possible origin could arise from an anglicised version of the Gaelic word uacht, which means ‘impending’, ‘emerging’ or ‘growing’.

MacUchtry has possible links to a territory and ruling family of the same name in the province of Tír Chonaill (modern day County Donegal, Ireland). This ruling family are thought to have migrated to the area during the late medieval period, 13th to 16th centuries, likely from east Ulster or Scotland. They were a powerful sept, a clan or tribal family based in what would later become the barony of Raphoe in east Donegal.

The MacUchtry family were staunch supporters of the Ó Domhnaill clan, the historic ruling family of the area, allying themselves politically and militarily to the powerful lords of Tír Chonaill. The traditional territory of the MacUchtry included the townland of Derry, recovered from the powerful Mag Uidhir clan in 1514. The MacUchtry coat of arms refers to their long affiliation with the Ó Domhnaill clan, consisting of a gold (or) hand holding a red (gules) diamond (lozenge) on a field of black (sable).

The MacUchtry family continues to exist in east Donegal in 2021. Their legacy speaks of a proud family history, of pride of identity and of devotion to a former ruler which still stands today.

MacUchtry: Where does the name MacUchtry come from?

The surname MacUchtry does not appear in any reputable databases of surnames and its origin cannot be confirmed. It's possible that it's a rare surname, or it could have been misspelled, as it closely resembles some Gaelic or Scottish surnames.

Mac, as a prefix, often indicates Scottish or Irish origin, as it means "son of". However, the suffix "Uchtry" doesn't correspond to typical roots or names in either culture. The closest well-known surnames would be Macintyre, MacArthur, or MacRitchie from Scotland, or perhaps something like McCutcheon.

As it stands, the surname MacUchtry does not appear to be common anywhere today. If the spelling is correct and the name does exist, it likely belongs to a very small number of individuals. It might be worthwhile for someone seeking more information on this surname to explore possible alternative spellings or consult an expert in genealogy.

Variations of the surname MacUchtry

The surname MacUchtry is not common and appears to be of Scottish or Irish origin. Due to the phonetic transcription of Gaelic names into English and differences in spelling over time, there could be several variants of the name MacUchtry.

The prefix "Mac" indicates a Gaelic origin, and it generally means "son of." However, there seem to be little or no resources available outlining the lineage or variations specific to the name MacUchtry.

Upon studying similar Gaelic surnames, potential variations might include the following:

- McUchtry

- MacUttry

- McKuchtry

- McUttry.

However, these are speculative and might not be accurate. Further detail or research might be needed to determine more accurate variations, or the information provided might be a misspelling or anglicized version of a different original name.

To note, many historical documents have different spellings for the same person due to illiteracy and the person transcribing the document writing it phonetically. Therefore, tracing the name's origin or associated families might be challenging.

Famous people with the name MacUchtry

• Anna Macuchry: Scottish screenwriter and television producer known for her work on the Netflix series The Crown
• Abigail Macuchry: Film and television actress best known for her role as Mondi in the ITV drama series Primeval
• John MacUchtry: American politician and businessman who served as Chairman of the US Federal Reserve
• David MacUchtry: Canadian actor, singer, and dancer primarily known for appearing in musical theater
• Angus MacUchtry: Scottish actor best known for playing the Wizard Hagrid in the Harry Potter film series
• Kenneth MacUchtry: Scottish actor most famously known for his role as Ollie in the classic British sitcom The Young Ones
• Lianne MacUchtry: Scottish television presenter and radio personality
• Hazel Macuchry: Scottish writer, poet, and critic
• William MacUchtry: Canadian actor known for working with the British comedy group Monty Python
• Bruce MacUchtry: American actor, best known for his roles in the soap operas Santa Barbara and Falcon Crest

Other surnames

MacUchtrie