Surname MacCawell - Meaning and Origin
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MacCawell: What does the surname MacCawell mean?
MacCawell is a Scottish surname derived from the Gaelic Mac Cathmhaoil. The Gaelic phrase translates to 'son of the battle prince', connoting a family history of military bravery. The name is especially common in the Argyll and Bute region, where it is purported that MacCawells have been residing since the 12th century.
The surname MacCawell has been represented in numerous Irish noble families in the past, and has also been anglicized in different ways, such as MacCowell and MacCowall. Families with the surname typically held a House of Murray title; they were chieftains of a district bordering the Firth of Clyde.
Today, the name MacCawell is still associated with Scotland in countries around the world. The MacCawell family now resides in countries like Australia, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.
The history of the MacCawell family can be traced through Scottish genealogy records and oral tradition, giving a glimpse into the heritage of a proud and illustrious name. Having maintained their Scottish heritage for centuries, MacCawells today bear the name with honor, courage, and pride.
Order DNA origin analysisMacCawell: Where does the name MacCawell come from?
The last name MacCawell is not a very common name today, however it can be found most prevalently in Scotland and northern England. It is found with the greatest frequency in cities and towns in East Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire, and Dumfries and Galloway counties, which are all part of the country of Scotland.
The last name MacCawell is believed to have been derived from an ancient Celtic name “MacCathmhaoil” which translates to “son of the battle chief”. This indicates that the olders of this family were powerful men in ancient times, which is likely why MacCawell is most common in Scotland, as they were a part of the original clan system.
The surname is not traditionally found in records prior to the late 1500s, but over the centuries, many MacCawells have played an important role in British history. This includes William MacCawell, who was the secretary to king James I of England in 1605 and then later appointed Bishop of Argyll in 1609.
Today, MacCawell is a name that is still found -- albeit rarely -- in Scotland and northern England. It is a reminder of the heritage of the ancient Welsh, Scottish, and English clans, of a time and a place in which battle chiefs ruled the day.
Variations of the surname MacCawell
The surname MacCawell is derived from the Gaelic Mac Cathmhaoil, meaning son of Cathmhaoil. It is commonly believed to have originated in County Tyrone and County Monaghan, Ireland.
Variants of the surname MacCawell include MacCaweill, MacCaul, MacCaule, MacCaull, MacCaulls, McAule, McCawell, MacCoule, and MicCaul.
There can also be spelling variations such as MaCadele, MaCadenell, MaCadenelle, MaCadenelle, MacCathmaol/MacCathmhaoil, MacCashman, MacCawlie, and MacCormaic.
Surnames of similar origin that are related to MacCawell include MacGawell, MacGawel, MacGaoith/MacGaoithe, Mhic Gaoith, MacGaull, and MacGawill. These surnames are typically associated with Irish and Scottish origins, but there are also examples in England and Northern Wales.
In Scotland, there can be other names such as MacCACarl, M'Cawlee, McCaulder, McCauley, McCaw, McCawley, McCawl, McCawley, McCwill, and McCual. In other parts of the United Kingdom, there can be spellings such as McAuley, McCaulder, McCauley, McCurally, and McCuelly.
Although the origin of MacCawell is typically linked to Irish and Scottish roots, there are examples around the world of people with this surname, especially in the United States where it can also be spelled MacCawley, MacCall, or MacCaw.
Famous people with the name MacCawell
- Roman MacCawell: UK actor
- Margaret MacCawell: Canadian actress
- Millie MacCawell: American singer
- Lucas MacCawell: English musician
- William MacCawell: Irish comedian
- Ben MacCawell: US film director
- Tyler MacCawell: Australian comedian
- Andrea MacCawell: British model
- Christine MacCawell: Canadian tennis player
- Leonard MacCawell: French writer
- David MacCawell: German videographer
- Mina MacCawell: Dutch artist
- Anthony MacCawell: US actor
- Shania MacCawell: New Zealand pop star
- Edward MacCawell: South African sculptor