Surname McIlhaggart - Meaning and Origin
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McIlhaggart: What does the surname McIlhaggart mean?
The last name McIlhaggart is of Scottish origin and derives from the ancient Gaelic family name Mac Ilcheartaigh. This Gaelic name, which is pronounced Mac Kill-harta, translates to 'son of the right special'. The 'right special' refers to a person who is of noble birth and has a secure place in the community and society.
The McIlhaggarts were originally located on the islands of Islay and Jura off the West Coast of Scotland. This family was known for being a force in the political and religious arenas of Scotland for many centuries. They held significant power and influence, and were strong supporters of the Catholic Church.
The McIlhaggarts were also well-respected landowners and farmers. Many of their descendants emigrated to North America and other locations around the world in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The McIlhaggarts can be found in every state in the United States today, and have helped to build and shape many of those states’ societies.
The McIlhaggarts are an ancient family, and the name continues to carry pride and nobility. The McIlhaggarts have a strong sense of identity and loyalty, and many of the values held by this family are passed down from generation to generation. The McIlhaggarts can take pride in their long history, and can continue to honor and uphold their present-day people and heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisMcIlhaggart: Where does the name McIlhaggart come from?
The last name McIlhaggart is a very rare one and today is most commonly found in the Scottish Highlands. The surname is of Scottish origin and is primarily associated with the ancient Clan MacDonald of Scotland.
The Clan MacDonald was known for their strong sense of family and clan loyalty. They had a culture known for music, poetry, and storytelling, which served as a way to pass down the McIlhaggart name and traditions. The surname was mainly found throughout Scotland, mainly in the northwest of the country, in the centuries leading up to the 18th century when many members of the Clan emigrated from Scotland to Ireland and North America.
Today, the surname is mainly associated with England, Ireland, Australia, and the United States. Because of the emigration of the Clan MacDonald, many McIlhaggarts can be found living in these countries today. There is also a high concentration of McIlhaggarts in Scotland, particularly around the Highland area. Those with McIlhaggart ancestry are frequent visitors to the Highlands, where they can visit the ancestral home of the Clan.
The surname McIlhaggart is a treasured one among those who know of their Clan heritage. It is a reminder of Scotland’s rich history and culture. Those who trace their ancestry to Clan MacDonald can be proud to have such a unique surname.
Variations of the surname McIlhaggart
The surname McIlhaggart is an anglicised form of the Irish-language surname Mac Giolla Eachthighearna, meaning "son of the servant of god". This surname is typically found in Scotland and Northern Ireland and is derived from the old Irish tribal names Ui Eachthighearna.
The McIlhaggart surname has several variants, spellings and associated surnames. Variants include MacIlhaggart, MacIldaggart, MacIlgaggart, MacIlggert and MacIlhagart. Spellings include Gilhaggart, KIlhaggart, Kilhagger, MacElhaggert and MacEllegart. Common associated surnames related to McIlhaggart include MacEachthighearna, MacIlroy, MacElhinney, Meehagart, McHagerty, MacHaggerty and MacMawheel.
Irish Gaelic speakers might use the original Irish language spelling of the surname, Mac Giolla Eachthighearna, while still pronouncing it as McIlhaggart. Additionally, the surname has an associated clan name, Clan Macilhagga, associated with County Donegal.
Tracing the origins of this surname, the earliest record of a person bearing this name was a personsettler named Douan McCalhaggar who was registered as part of an Irish militia in 1702. In 1851, it was recorded that there were 78 people in Scotland and 11 people in Ireland with the surname. As the name moved to other areas, the spelling could change due to regional nuances. And, as with most names, it’s likely that there are many forms that are unique to individuals, but are related to McIlhaggart.
Famous people with the name McIlhaggart
- Kenneth McIlhaggart: Scottish international football player who played for the Scottish senior national team and Hearts in the 1950s.
- Jack McIlhaggart: a former professional boxer from Scotland who held multiple title belts in the 1960s.
- Ally McIlhaggart: member of the Scottish pop duo The Proclaimers in the 1980s.
- Maureen McIlhaggart: Scottish actress who has appeared on the long-running BBC comedy show "The High Life" since the early 1990s.
- Greg McIlhaggart: Scottish writer and actor who has featured in several British television shows since the late 2000s.
- Gordon McIlhaggart: Scottish musician and producer who has toured with iconic acts like The Stone Roses and Oasis.
- Mairi McIlhaggart: Scottish illustrator and graphic designer whose work has been featured in art galleries internationally.
- Rory McIlhaggart: Scottish showjumping champion who has won several world-level titles since the 2010s.
- Zach McIlhaggart: Scottish artist and filmmaker who has won awards for his work at a number of film festivals since 2014.
- Euan McIlhaggart: Scottish actor and director whose films have been nominated for numerous awards since the mid-2010s.