Surname McCorquodale - Meaning and Origin

McCorquodale: What does the surname McCorquodale mean?

The surname McCorquodale is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic name MacCorcadail. The prefix "Mac" means "son of" in Gaelic, implying a patriarchal lineage. The second part, "Corcadail", is believed to come from a personal name "Corc" with "dal" (valley) attached, translating to "valley of Corc" or "son of Corc from the valley." The name Corc itself has roots in old Celtic language and could mean a multitude of things such as "heart," "cork," or "purple." There's a historical figure named Corc, found in medieval Irish literature, who was a king in Munster, Ireland. Therefore, the surname could potentially refer to descent from this royal figure. It's important to note that etymological interpretations of surnames can be ambiguous and speculative due to changes in language and historical record keeping. This last name is most common among people of Scottish or Irish descent. It's rare and distinctive, suggesting a clear ancestral line. Notable people with the surname include British printer George McCorquodale and more recently, author Rosie McCorquodale.

McCorquodale: Where does the name McCorquodale come from?

The surname McCorquodale is of Scottish origin, particularly from the region of Argyll. It derives from the Gaelic name "MacCorcadail" which means "son of Corcadal." Its phonetic pronunciation often led to many spelling variations of the name such as M'Corquidill, M'Corquydall, and MacCircudale among others.

The family tree of the McCorquodales has been branched throughout history, with different members migrating to different regions. In the 19th and 20th centuries, many McCorquodales emigrated from Scotland to North America and Australia due to economic hardships and opportunities abroad.

Today, though it remains somewhat rare, the surname McCorquodale is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia due to historical migrations. It's also recognized in the world of literature and publishing through the McCorquodale group, a former British printing company, and several notable figures with the surname such as British writer Baroness Barbara McCorquodale, known by her pseudonym Barbara Cartland.

Variations of the surname McCorquodale

The surname McCorquodale has its roots in Scottish heritage. Due to various phonetic translations and spellings throughout its history, you may come across several variations of this surname. Some of its alternate spellings could be MacCorquodale, McCorquadale, MacCorquadale, MacCorkindale, McQuarrie, and even MacQuarrie. Variants may include MacCorkill, McCorkle, and MacOrkill.

Such a variation in spelling often stems from anglicization attempts, different phonetic interpretations, or branch families adapting the surname to their local languages or dialects. These names share a common origin, deriving from the Gaelic MacThorcuil, meaning "son of Thorcuil", which combines elements of the Norse god Thor with Mac, meaning 'son of'.

There's also a regional factor involved since times, Scottish families often named themselves after their ancestral territories, for instance, lands of Corquodale in the parish of Glassary, Argyll.

McCorquodale can also be a variant spelling of the Scottish surname MacCorqudale, popular in the western Isles of Scotland. Kindly note that these alternate spellings and surnames might not be exhaustive, as historical records often show inconsistencies in surname spellings, and every person's family history and migration pattern can bring unique alterations.

Famous people with the name McCorquodale

• Ian McCorquodale: British actor
• Samantha McCorquodale: British News Anchor
• Sir Angus McCorquodale: Lord Provost of Edinburgh
• Harriet McCorquodale: Poet and Sculptor
• Derek McCorquodale: Professional Surfer
• Robert McCorquodale: British Politician
• Rosalind McCorquodale: Actress
• Rachel McCorquodale: Editor at Faber and Faber
• Robin McCorquodale: Motivational Speaker
• Henry McCorquodale: British Arts Advocate
• Finlay McCorquodale: British Motocross Rider
• Alice McCorquodale: Director of the British Fashion Council
• Patrick McCorquodale: Graphic Designer
• Gillian McCorquodale: Scottish Landscaper
• Richard McCorquodale: Anti-Slavery Activist
• Jane McCorquodale: British Businesswoman
• Paige McCorquodale: British Jazz Pianist
• Caron McCorquodale: Chair of the Board at London Philharmonic Orchestra
• Madeleine McCorquodale: British Ballet Dancer
• William McCorquodale: Entrepreneur and Philanthropist

Other surnames

McCorquodalMcCorquodellMcCorquodul