Surname MacArt - Meaning and Origin
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MacArt: What does the surname MacArt mean?
The last name MacArt is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic surname Mac Art meaning “son or descendant of Art”. Art is an old Gaelic personal name whose meaning is uncertain. The ancient Irish believed in an important god called Nuada, who was also called “Argetlam” and “Art” and his name may be the source.
MacArt is one of the most ancient surnames in Ireland as the Gaelic clans, who settled the land with the coming of the Celts in the 5th century, often took the personal name of their chief as the surname for the clan.
In some cases, it was used as a nickname to describe the appearance, character, or attributes of the chief and later, either the chief’s actual personal name or a patronymic form (Mc for Mac) of it were adopted as the surname for the clan.
The MacArt family was one of the septs (or sub-groups) of clans which formed the O’Neill clan. The O’Neills were one of the more powerful forces in medieval Ireland and the surname symbolizes the strength and importance of this ancient clan.
The MacArt name was spread to other parts of the world due to the diaspora of the Irish people. In English-speaking countries such as Canada, the United States, England, and Australia, the MacArt name has become a much more common and accepted name.
Other variants of the surname MacArt include, MacArte, McArt, MacArth, McArte, MacArthur, and McCart.
Order DNA origin analysisMacArt: Where does the name MacArt come from?
The surname MacArt (or MacArte) is most commonly found in the Irish provinces of Ulster and Connacht. Areas including counties Donegal, Sligo, Roscommon, and Monaghan have a relatively high concentration of individuals with the surname. According to dictionaries of Irish surnames, the name is believed to have derived from the pre 10th century Gaelic Mac Artaigh, which means ‘son of Art’. It is possible that this particular name came from an early Irish father figure, such as a chieftain.
The most recognizable MacArts are famous Irish actor Liam MacArt, Irish playwright Bernard MacArt, and Scottish National Party politician George MacArt.
Today you will find MacArts living around the world, as the surname has a long history of emigration. The Higgins/MacArt family from Donegal moved to the northeastern United States in the late 1800s. Similarly, many Irish MacArts moved to places including Canada, the United Kingdom, and even Australia.
MacArts still living in Ireland today are often found in Donegal, and when visiting nearby towns of Derry, Sligo, and Ballina, you may still hear a few familiar surnames.
The surname is becoming less common in recent decades, as many family members have chosen alternative last names due to marriage or emigration. There are still numerous descendants of the original MacArt clan in Ireland, however, many have moved away and the name has become much less common.
Variations of the surname MacArt
The MacArt surname has many variations and spellings in addition to being used as both a surname and a given name. The most common spellings include: MacArt, MacArte, McArty, MacCardy, McCartney, and MacCartney.
MacArt is an anglicized version of the Irish surname “Mac Cártaigh” which can be translated as “son of the cartage man”. It is thought to have originated in County Tipperary and County Armagh. It was taken to Scotland in the 12th century by the MacArte clan from Ireland.
The surname is also found in its variant spellings such as MacCartney, MacArte, McArty, and MacCardy. It is popular in Northern Ireland and Scotland, primarily in the areas of Inverness-shire and the Isles of Scotland. It can also be found in England, Canada, and the United States.
The most common variations of the MacArt surname include Mac Art, MacArte, McArty, MacCardy, McCartney, and MacCartney. Other more rare spellings include MacCarde, MacCartee, Mackarath, MacCardale, MacCarte, and MacCardell.
Regardless of the spelling, all of these spellings can be traced back to the original MacCártaigh clan in Ireland and the MacArte clan in Scotland. The MacArt name has been preserved for centuries, and continues to be found in many countries today.
Famous people with the name MacArt
- Phil MacArt: A Scottish singer/songwriter.
- Pat MacArt: An American actor, producer, and director.
- Niall MacArt: An Irish barrister and writer.
- Thomas MacArt: An Irish illustrator, illustrator, and political cartoonist.
- Duncan MacArt: A Scottish actor and producer.
- Colin MacArt: A Scottish actor and theater director.
- John MacDonald MacArt: A Scottish Presbyterium leader and poet.
- Patrick MacArt: An Irish Roman Catholic bishop.
- Thomas MacArt O'Leary: An Irish Army officer and military historian.
- John MacArt: An Irish playwright.
- Séamus MacArt: An Irish Gaelic novelist and poet.
- Marion MacArt: An American novelist and essayist.
- Máire Devine MacArt: An Irish journalist and Gaelic revivalist.
- Angus MacArt: An Irish Protestant clergyman.
- Kate MacArt: An American artist, performer, and quilter.