Surname Cathart - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'C'
Cathart: What does the surname Cathart mean?
The surname Cathart is of Scottish origin. It is believed to be derived from the Gaelic name MacArt, which translates to "Son of Arthur". The prefix "Mac" in Gaelic terminology refers to "son of" indicating lineage. The name "Arthur" is itself believed to have Celtic and Roman origins and is interpreted as "bear" or "bear-like". The Cathart surname is therefore suggested to have the essence of 'son of a strong or brave person'.
However, the transformation of MacArt to Cathart throughout history may have occurred due to regional dialectical differences, immigration, or even clerical errors, which were not uncommon in preserving historical records. Like many surnames, it may have different branches with different meanings or origins. It's always valuable to personally research one's genealogy for a true understanding of their surname's origin and chronology.
It's also worth mentioning the homonymous word "cathart", referring to a type of bird known as a "vulture" in the Cathartidae family found in America. The Cathartidae were colloquially known as "cathartes", originating from the Greek word kathartēs, meaning "purifier". There is no known link between the surname Cathart and the bird species 'Cathart'.
Order DNA origin analysisCathart: Where does the name Cathart come from?
The last name Cathart is of Scottish origin. The term "Cathcart" is derived from Welsh cad, meaning 'battle', and 'cart', referring to 'fort', thus suggesting an occupational origin for the surname. It was first associated with a specific region in southwestern Scotland named Cathcart, located near Glasgow.
The surname Cathcart, like many Scottish surnames, spread to various parts of the world through migration, particularly during the Highland Clearances in the 18th and 19th centuries where Scottish Highlanders were displaced. These migrations led to Scottish names being particularly common in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Today, the surname Cathart, sometimes spelled as Cathcart, is found in these regions but it is not necessarily common. It is most prevalent in the United States, following by England and Canada according to Forebears, a genealogical database. However, even in these countries, it's relatively rare compared to other surnames. It's important to note that the distribution of surnames changes over time, influenced by factors like migration, intermarriage, and name-changing.
Variations of the surname Cathart
The surname Cathart is of Scottish origin and is a locational name from a place called Caithness, located in Northern Scotland. The surname means "Cape headland". It has undergone many spelling changes throughout the centuries due to its pronunciation and linguistic modifications. Some variants and similar surnames include: Cathcart, Catheart, Cather, Catherd, Catheard, Cathiar, Kathar, Kathart, and Kathartt.
The adoption of surnames in Scotland began during the 12-13th centuries, and the common practice was to take the name of the place as a surname. Hence, the surname could also indicate someone hailing from the town of Cathcart in Scotland.
There are also other variants like Kaithart, Caithart, Kaitheart, Caithert which have evolved either as translations, derivatives or phonetic variants.
The spelling variants of surnames were especially common during the Middle Ages when literacy was low and regional dialects were strong. Hence, a name like Cathart, rooted in a Gaelic place name, has multiple variations to account for local pronunciations.
Surnames of the same origin would be those originating from specific Scottish geographic locations or landmarks, such as Muir, Ross, or Dunbar.
Famous people with the name Cathart
There are few famous individuals with the surname Cathart. One of them is Sir George Cathcart, a British military officer, diplomat, and politician who held a significant role during the Crimean War. Another known person is Kevin Cathcart, former Executive Director of Lambda Legal, a civil rights organization that focuses on lesbian, gay, transgender, and HIV/AIDS issues. He has been a key influence in many landmark legal decisions affecting the LGBTQ+ community. A celebrity connected to this surname is Rhea Cathcart, a portrait and scenic photographer whose work has been showcased in numerous publications. She has an impressive portfolio and a substantial following in the art world. In sport, there is also Chad Cathcart who was a former professional basketball player, competing in various US teams. Lastly, Fiona Cathcart is a known British violinist, associated with Naxos Records. She has performed with numerous well-established orchestras around the world. Please note, the availability of information and the level of fame can significantly vary for these individuals.