Surname MacArtan - Meaning and Origin
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MacArtan: What does the surname MacArtan mean?
The last name MacArtan is an Anglicized version of the Irish-Gaelic name Mac Airtain – Mac Artain or Mac Artan, with its roots also coming from the ancient name MacAirt. In ancient Gaelic culture, the prefix “Mac” was used to denote “son of” or “descendant of” a certain ancestor and, in this case, the ancestor was Airtain.
Airtan was a prominent name in Irish mythology and was thought to be the son of the God Lugh. Consequently, those of the name MacAirtan can trace their lineage back to the gods of old. The ancient clan of MacAirtan was known to be descended from the kingdom of Connacht in the western part of Ireland. As such, the name MacArtan is associated with nobility and is seen as a proud and respected family name.
MacArtan is also known to be quite common in parts of Ireland, particularly in Donegal and Galway, which can be attributed to the continuous use of this surname since ancient times. Those of the MacArtan name are typically known to be of a strong and proud character, keenly in touch with their legacy and history.
All-in-all, MacArtan is a family name with proud roots in ancient Irish mythology and legend. It is a name that symbolizes strength, pride, and a connection to the past.
Order DNA origin analysisMacArtan: Where does the name MacArtan come from?
Today, the surname MacArtan is largely concentrated in Ireland. However, it is also found in Scotland, which was home to Irish emigrants over the centuries. It is also found in the United States, particularly in larger cities such as Boston, Philadelphia and Chicago.
In Ireland, the surname is most commonly found in County Armagh. This is likely due to the origin of the name, as it has been linked to the Gaelic Mac Artáin – meaning “Son of Artán”. Artán was a well-known 7th century Irish king who hailed from the county.
It is believed that the MacArtan surname first began to spread in the 13th century when the Zvalkoffs, a Mongolian nomadic tribe, arrived to Ireland. It is thought that the MacArtans are a descendant of this tribe, who committed to serving the local Irish kings and thus formed a dynasty.
The MacArtans have a long and illustrious history in Ireland. They enjoyed positions of prestige and power over the centuries, particularly in occupations such as soldiers and law. It is believed that the MacArtan dynasty remains one of Ireland's most influential forces to this day, with many prominent public figures bearing the surname.
Variations of the surname MacArtan
The surname MacArtan is an Anglicised form of the Irish surname Mac Airtáin or Mac Carthaig. MacAirtáin is an ancient Gaelic name meaning 'follower of Artán' (Artán being a personal name) and originally derived from the Gaelic word 'ard' translating to 'high' or 'noble'.
The surname MacArtan is most commonly found in Ireland and Scotland, but is also spelt in a variety of ways. The most common variants of MacArtan are MacArton, MacCartan, McArton, McArtain, McCartin, MacCartin, McCartan, MacCartain and MacArkatin.
The surname MacAirtáin is also commonly found with the surnames MacAirtín, MacCartóg and MacAirtghioll as variations of the same origin. Surnames based on regional clans of Ireland also include MacAirt, MacAirthir, MacArtaine and MacArtain Uí. In some cases, the surname may also be linked to surnames that have evolved from the Norman French MacHardy name, from which the surname Macartin originates.
In various regions, the surname has also been recorded as Artan, MacCasten, MacCawtin, McCasten and McCawten.
In Scotland, the surname may also be found in the form of MacCardney and MacCardy.
Famous people with the name MacArtan
- David MacArtan, a Scottish actor
- Rob MacArtan, a British race car driver
- Shane MacArtan, an Irish actor
- Gordan MacArtan, a Scottish sculptor
- Robert MacArtan, a Scottish author and folklorist
- William MacArtan, an Irish artist
- Patrick MacArtan, an Irish singer and songwriter
- Gordon MacArtan, a composer and musician from Northern Ireland
- Ryan MacArtan, an American basketball player
- Mike MacArtan, an American actor and comedian