Surname MacArthur - Meaning and Origin

MacArthur: What does the surname MacArthur mean?

The last name MacArthur is of Scottish origin and it means "son of Arthur". It originates from the Gaelic phrase "Mac Artuir" which directly translates to "son of Arthur". The name "Arthur" itself is believed to be of Celtic origin and means "bear" or "bear-like", associated with strength and power. The MacArthur surname first surfaced in historical records dating back to 13th-century Scotland, where the Clan MacArthur held lands in Argyllshire. The MacArthur name, therefore, not only indicates a biological relationship (as a patronymic name) but also a geographical one, pointing to ancestral ties to a specific region of Scotland. Like many surnames that began as patronyms, over time it has become a family name passed down through generations. Famous figures bearing this surname include General Douglas MacArthur from the United States Army.

MacArthur: Where does the name MacArthur come from?

The surname MacArthur originates from Scotland, derived from the Old Gaelic "MacArtuir", which means "son of Arthur". The clan's roots can be traced back to the late 14th century, with the Clan Arthur and Clan Campbell considering them descendants of King Arthur.

The MacArthur name spread throughout Scotland and later to Ireland, particularly in Ulster. The name gained further recognition through notable individuals such as American five-star General Douglas MacArthur.

In today's context, the surname MacArthur is most common in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States, given the Scottish and Irish diaspora in these countries in previous centuries. The MacArthur clan's motto is "Fide et Opera" meaning "By Faith and Work".

Variations of the surname MacArthur

The surname MacArthur has Scottish origin and is associated with the ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. Its roots can be traced back to the Celtic personal name "Arthur." The different variants and alternative spellings can come from translations between Gaelic and English, and can even be influenced by regional dialects and phonetics. Therefore, the variations can include McArthur, MacArther, MacArthor, and McArdur. These all mean "son of Arthur."

Versions with prefixes can sometimes drop the "Mac" or "Mc" entirely, leaving the names Arthur or Arther. The surnames Arthur and Artis may also stem from the same origin.

In some cases, the names can be Anglicized in different ways, leading to variations such as Archibure, Arthure, Arthurs, Arture, Artoor, Hartoor, and Harthor.

It's also worth noting that in the past, spelling was not standardized, so many of these variations could simply be the result of individual record keepers. Today, these versions are seen as distinct surnames in their own rights though, they share a common origin.

Famous people with the name MacArthur

• Douglas MacArthur: American general and field marshal of the Philippine Army during World War II.
• John D. MacArthur: A wealthy American businessman and philanthropist.
• Jean MacArthur: American philanthropist and wife of General Douglas MacArthur.
• James D. MacArthur: American actor known for the role of Danny "Danno" Williams on the TV series "Hawaii Five-O."
• Catherine MacArthur: A film producer who is also the wife of actor James MacArthur.
• Richard MacArthur: A successful journalist and publisher, and the brother of John D. MacArthur.
• Peter MacArthur: A Canadian diplomat and ambassador.
• Julianna MacArthur: Beauty queen who won Miss World Canada in 1975.
• Ellen MacArthur: A retired English sailor, known for her solo long-distance yacht races.
• Charles Gordon MacArthur: An American playwright and screenwriter.
• Mary Catherine MacArthur: An American actress, popularly known by her stage name Kate Burton.
• Jared MacArthur: A professional ice hockey player.
• John MacArthur: A famous pastor and author in America, known for his internationally syndicated Christian teaching radio program Grace to You.
• Jesse MacArthur: An actor and comedian.
• Phil MacArthur: A professional jazz musician and bassist.

Other surnames

MacArthy