Surname MacCarthy - Meaning and Origin
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MacCarthy: What does the surname MacCarthy mean?
The surname MacCarthy is of Irish origin and means "son of Carthach." The name Carthach itself means "loving" in Gaelic. This surname has a significant history in Ireland, particularly in the southern region, where the MacCarthy clan was a predominant force for several centuries. The MacCarthys were known as Princes of Desmond, a title that signifies their traditional territory in the provinces of Munster. During medieval times, they established several influential branches, including MacCarthy Reagh, MacCarthy of Muskerry, and MacCarthy of Duhallow. Even today, the surname MacCarthy is prevalent in counties like Kerry, Cork, and Limerick. The prefix "Mac" was often dropped or altered in various records due to anglicization, but the name still bears its original Gaelic significance and connection to Irish heritage. It is interesting to note that the surname has many spelling variations such as McCarthy, MacCarty, and MacArty, due to differences in translating the Gaelic language into English.
Order DNA origin analysisMacCarthy: Where does the name MacCarthy come from?
The last name MacCarthy is of Irish origin. It comes from the Gaelic "Mac Cárthaigh," which means "son of Cárthach," with Cárthach being a personal name that signifies "loving." The MacCarthys were a powerful family in Ireland, particularly in the southern regions of Munster and Cork, where they established a significant royal dynasty in the Middle Ages.
Today, the name MacCarthy, along with its variations such as McCarthy, is still common in Ireland, particularly in the province of Munster. However, due to historical Irish emigration, it has also spread to other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, where it can often be found in significant numbers.
Variations of the surname MacCarthy
The surname MacCarthy is an anglicized form of the Old Gaelic name MacCarthaigh, where "Mac" means son of, and "Carthach" which means loving. The name MacCarthy is probably most closely associated with the southern Irish kingdom of Desmond which was ruled by MacCarthy Mor (Great MacCarthy).
Various spelling variations of the name MacCarthy have appeared over centuries. These include McCarthy, MacCarty, MacArthy, and Mccarthy. It's also common to see the surname without the 'Mac' prefix, such as Carthy or Carty.
A notable variant of the name is MacArthur, which is sometimes speculated to be connected to the MacCarthys, although MacArthur has a separate origin in Scotland.
Many MacCarthys, like many Irish families, were forced to Anglicise their names due to oppressive English rule, changing MacCarthy to the more English-sounding Carty.
Even different branches of the MacCarthy clan added various suffixes to their names to distinguish themselves, resulting in names like MacCarthy Reagh (Swart), MacCarthy of Muskerry, and MacCarthy of Duhallow. Distinct sept surnames from MacCarthy also include MacCartie, MacArty, and MacCarty.
In the United States, due to misunderstandings or spelling errors in immigration records, the name can also show great variation including McCarthey, McArthy, McArtee, McArta, and even MacCartee.
All these variations capture the enduring legacy of the MacCarthy name.
Famous people with the name MacCarthy
- Cormac MacCarthy: American Novelist
- Erin MacCarthy: Award Winning Author
- Joseph MacCarthy: 20th Century Senator
- Charlie MacCarthy: Ventriloquist
- Maureen MacCarthy: Australian Poet
- MacAnna MacCarthy: Irish War Poet
- Justin MacCarthy: Irish Writer
- Senator Eugene MacCarthy: 20th Century Presidental Candidate
- Sarah MacCarthy: Canadian Actress
- James MacCarthy: American Actor
- Desmond MacCarthy: British Literary Critic
- William F. MacCarthy: American Politician
- Joe MacCarthy: 20th century Baseball Coach
- Maureen MacCarthy: Australian Poet
- John MacCarthy: American Computer Scientist
- Daniel MacCarthy: Irish Earl of Clancarty
- Justin MacCarthy: Irish Politician
- Richard MacCarthy: English Writer
- Terry MacCarthy: Australian Journalist
- Martin MacCarthy: Irish Musician