Surname MacCarter - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacCarter: What does the surname MacCarter mean?
The last name MacCarter is believed to have originated from Ireland and Scotland and to be linked with the ancient Irish Clan known as the Mac Cartair. It is a Gaelic name that is derived from the personal name "Carta" which was derived from the word "cartach" meaning fierce or warlike.
The Mac Cartairs were prominent figures in Scottish history as they were responsible for defending their territory. This fierce loyalty led to the development of the surname Carters and Mac Carts that is commonly associated with the Clan today.
As the Clan's presence grew, so did the number of Mac Cartairs throughout Ireland and Scotland. The name most likely derives from the MacCarter family's staunchly defended territories in Scotland and extended to other surrounding areas including Donegal, Galway, Tyrone, and Scotland.
Throughout Scotland, the name is most prominent and popular among Celtic communities and mostly found in the counties of Glasgow, Inverness-shire, and the Highlands.
The MacCarter name is also found in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada where it's carried by descendants of Irish and Scottish immigrants.
Ultimately the name MacCarter is associated with bravery, loyalty, and strength which was used to defend territories and lands. It represents a strong past and a deep-rooted identity in Celtic culture with a strong presence in both Scotland and Ireland.
Order DNA origin analysisMacCarter: Where does the name MacCarter come from?
The last name MacCarter is most common in North America and the UK, with a higher concentration in the US and England. In particular, many MacCarters are found in the southern states of America, such as Florida, Texas, and Virginia, as well as in Canada, especially in Ontario.
The surname used to be found in Scotland, but it is far less common there today. The name, which is Gaelic in origin, was more widespread in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, when they were a well-known family in the Western Highlands and the Isle of Skye.
Today, it is estimated that there are around 13,000 people with the last name MacCarter in the United States. While this might seem low, it is actually a higher concentration than many other surnames of a similar age and origin.
In the US, many MacCarters are found in Virginia. In fact, the name is considered to be “official” in the state, as it is officially recorded on a statewide list of accepted surnames. It is also among the top 1,000 most common surnames in America.
The MacCarter family has a long history. Even though the last name might not as common today, many people still bear the name with pride, looking back into their ancestral roots and celebrating their heritage.
Variations of the surname MacCarter
The surname MacCarter is an anglicized form of the Irish family name 'MacCartair', which was derived from the Gaelic patronymic name Mac Artair. The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin as this name include:
MacCartair - This is the most ancient form of the surname, derived from the Gaelic MacArtair.
MacCartar - This is an alternative spelling of the surname MacCarter.
MacCarteir - This is a variant spelling of the surname MacCarter.
MacCartery - This is another variant spelling of the surname MacCarter.
MacCarty - This is an alternative spelling of the surname MacCarter.
MacKarter - This is a variant spelling of the surname MacCarter.
MacKartery - This is another variant spelling of the surname MacCarter.
McCarter - This is an anglicized form of the surname MacCarter.
McCartar - This is an alternative spelling of the surname McCarter.
McCarteir - This is a variant spelling of the surname McCarter.
McCartery - This is another variant spelling of the surname McCarter.
McCarty - This is an alternative spelling of the surname McCarter.
McKarter - This is a variant spelling of the surname McCarter.
McKartery - This is another variant spelling of the surname McCarter.
Carder - This is a surname derived from the personal name ‘Cárthach’, a combination of the Gaelic ‘cath’ meaning battle and the Old Irish name ‘Cárthach’. This name is considered to be a variant of the surname MacCarter.
Carderly - This is an alternative spelling of the surname Carder.
Cartar - This is a surname derived from the Gaelic 'Cairter'; a combination of the Latin ‘cantare’ meaning to sing and the Old Irish word ‘artair’ meaning ploughman. This name is considered to be a variant of the surname MacCarter.
Carter - This is a surname derived from the Old English personal name ‘Carter’, meaning ‘one who carts or drives’. This name is considered to be a variant of the surname MacCarter.
Carterly - This is an alternative spelling of the surname Carter.
Karter - This is a surname derived from the Old German name ‘Karther’, a combination of the words ‘karta’ meaning strong and ‘hari’ meaning army. This name is considered to be a variant of the surname MacCarter.
Karterly - This is an alternative spelling of the surname Karter.
Famous people with the name MacCarter
- Kenneth MacCarter, Scottish football referee
- Finn MacCarter, Irish Gaelic footballer
- John MacCarter, Australian rugby player
- Ewan MacCarter, Scottish Gaelic singer
- Chris MacCarter, American singer-songwriter
- Ida MacCarter, Scottish folk singer
- Peebles MacCarter, Canadian comedian
- Derek MacCarter, Canadian ice hockey player
- Robert MacCarter, British actor
- Kate MacCarter, American TV producer