Surname MacWalter - Meaning and Origin
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MacWalter: What does the surname MacWalter mean?
The last name MacWalter can have several origins and meanings. The prefix ‘Mac’ is typically of Gaelic origin and means ‘son of’ or 'descendent of', so the name is often assumed to be derived from a father or ancestors given name, Walter.
In Scotland, Walter was a common medieval name, leading many to assume the MacWalter clan descended from the Norman nobleman, Walter Fitzallan, who was a High Steward to King David I of Scotland in the 12th century. In Scotland, the meaning of the last name MacWalter is 'son of Walter'.
The name can also be of Irish origin, however, and the Irish version is usually spelt Mac an Bhaltair, meaning 'son of Walter'. This variant of the name is believed to be derived from the Irish Gaelic name 'Barrtholomew'. The name does not necessarily indicate any specific area of Ireland, however, as the name was dispersed widely.
It is also possible that the name originated from England, with the 'Mac' prefix being added in later generations. The surname origin would be 'son of Walter', and could derive from the Old English name 'Wealdhere', which was a combination of 'weald' meaning 'rule' or 'power' and 'here' meaning 'army'.
No matter its origin, the name MacWalter is steeped in history and has been present in Europe since at least the 12th century, making it an intriguing and interesting name for families of today.
Order DNA origin analysisMacWalter: Where does the name MacWalter come from?
The last name MacWalter is a Scottish surname, historically associated with Clan MacWalter, which can be traced back to at least 1160 when the clan was founded. Although long forgotten they are still remembered in the Clan Macwalter tartan and their tartan was adopted by many of the old Scottish Highland clans.
Today, the last name MacWalter is still common in Scotland and many other parts of the United Kingdom. In Scotland the surname is most notably found in Angus and the north east, while in England it is mainly found in the North West. It is also commonly found in Ireland, particularly in County Donegal and in Norther Ireland.
The surname has spread further than these regions, however. Due to the immigration of people with the last name since the 19th century, MacWalter is also commonly found throughout the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and some other parts of the world.
Although much less common than in the past, due to emigration and intermarriage, the last name MacWalter is still found in many places worldwide. It is seen most frequently in the areas and countries which were originally home to the members of Clan MacWalter.
Variations of the surname MacWalter
The surname MacWalter is derived from the Gaelic personal byname Mac Ghaoilteir, meaning “son of Walters”. The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include MacGilltair, MacGilter, MacGiltair, MacGilvary, MacGoolty, MacGooltyear, MacGoold, MacGowler, MacGwaltney, and MacWaltney.
MacWalter is an anglicized form of the Scottish Gaelic name Mac Ghaoilteir or Mac Giolla Tire, which is composed of two elements. The first element, mac, is the Gaelic for “son of” and the second element is derived from the personal byname “Ghaoilteir”, which is the genitive form of “Ghaoilter”, meaning “valour” or “courage”.
MacWalter is an ancient and fairly common Scottish surname, particularly in the Argyll area where it is found as the anglicised form of the Gaelic Mac Ghaoilteir. The variants and spellings of the same origin can be found scattered around the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. The surname is also found in Ireland, mainly in Counties Mayo and Donegal.
The name MacWalter is an etymological variant of the surnames MacGilltair, MacGilter, MacGiltair, MacGilvary, MacGoolty, MacGooltyear, MacGoold, MacGowler, MacGwaltney, and MacWaltney. These variants and spellings are found in Scotland, Ireland, England and other locations throughout the world. All of these surnames are believed to have a common origin.
Famous people with the name MacWalter
- Jason MacWalter: Canadian professional hockey player who has played in various leagues in Finland, Austria, Sweden, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom.
- Duncan MacWalter: Late British judge, professor of law, jurist, and politician.
- Gair MacWalter: Professional soccer player in the Scottish Football League.
- John MacWalter: Businessman, philanthropist, and author of "A Life of Adventure: The Remarkable Life of John MacWalter".
- Angus MacWalter: Canadian folk musician and songwriter who has released several solo albums and performed at various festivals in Canada.
- Andrew MacWalter: Former Canadian football player who played offensive tackle in the Canadian Football League.
- Catherine MacWalter: Noted teenage actor who was often cast in period pieces and dramas.
- Brian MacWalter: Professional bassist who has toured with various bands throughout Europe and the United States.
- Bruce MacWalter: Award-winning American painter known for his vibrant landscapes, portraits, and abstracts.
- Kathleen MacWalter: Renowned British historian who has written extensively on the sufferings of people during the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution.