Surname MacChoiter - Meaning and Origin
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MacChoiter: What does the surname MacChoiter mean?
The last name MacChoiter is derived from the Gaelic language, stemming from the Scottish-Irish culture. It is thought to have originated centuries ago and is believed to be a form of the word "Mac an Choitir", which translates to "Son of the Woodsman".
The roots of the last name MacChoiter are believed to be linked to the Celts, with the ancient Celts living in Ireland and Scotland and having strong ties to Gaelic culture and language. This connection gives insight into the meaning of the name, as woodsmen were quite important to the Celts and their culture. Woodsmen were responsible for cutting down and processing timber, which was essential for the survival of many Celtic communities.
The Gaelic last name MacChoiter has therefore been applied to families and individuals with a strong connection to the woods or forests who likely succeeded in their profession. Today, the name is associated with qualities such as hard work, dedication, and a strong work ethic, which are the values that many families in the Scottish-Irish region strive for. It has become a symbol of pride for many of the descendants of the Celts, showing that their ancestors were respected for their work and tireless spirit.
Order DNA origin analysisMacChoiter: Where does the name MacChoiter come from?
The last name MacChoiter is not very common today, however it does have origins in Ireland. It may have first originated with the Clan MacChoitter, a Sept of the Clan MacLoughlin. The surname MacChoitter is thought to have derived from the Gaelic meaning "Son of Cootar," and was sometimes Anglicized as MacCoyter. This family was descended from the Kings of Tyrconnel, now County Donegal, in the northwest of Ireland. Today, the surname MacChoiter is much rarer, as many families have adopted other surnames over the past centuries.
The surname is also found in Colonial America, where many Irish immigrants settled. The earliest known record of the MacChoiter family in the New World was in 1730, when John MacChoiter (or MacCoyter) arrived from Ireland. The MacChoiters also settled in Pennsylvania, New York, and other states in the region.
In addition to America, the MacChoiters also spread to other countries around the world. Many of the family members moved to Canada in the 1800's, as well as Australia and New Zealand. Today, it is difficult to determine how many MacChoiters still exist in the world. However, it is likely that they are spread out amongst different countries, as the strong Irish diaspora is quite extensive.
Variations of the surname MacChoiter
The surname MacChoiter is an Anglicised version of the Irish Gaelic Mac an Chóitir. Its variants include MacCoiter, MacCoighter, MacCoyter, Mollyiter, McCoiter, McCoyter, McCoighter, and Mollycoiter.
Variants of Mac an Chóitir originate from the ancient Irish clan group O' hEochaidh, a sept of the larger kingdom of Thomond. O' hEochaidh derived its surname from the Irish word “eochar” meaning a steed or horseman. The term Mac an Chóitir literally translates to ‘son of the horseman.
The clan spread from its original geographical area in what is now County Clare to Donegal and Dublin. As they travelled and settled different areas of what was before the Republic of Ireland variations of the name were formed.
Alternatively, McChoiter and MacAchoiter are present in areas of Ireland where the Anglicised version has partially been re-Gaelicised to match the pronunciation of the Irish name.
The most common variant of MacChoiter today is MacCoyte, and the variants of that include MacCait, MacCoy, MacGiott and MacGoyte. In Scotland, the name appears as MacGhuitir and in England as MacGoiter. For those who have migrated to the United States, other variants include MacCuit, MacKeitter, MacKyte and many more.
In the early 20th century, some members of the MacChoiter clan adopted the surnames Mockoiter, Motter and Molyter, although these variations are much less common today.
Famous people with the name MacChoiter
- Mariel Margaret Hamm-MacChoiter: American professional soccer player and two-time Olympic gold medalist.
- Arlene Katherine MacChoiter: a highly decorated World War II veteran who wrote a book about her experiences.
- Brad MacChoiter: an American business magnate, investor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
- Joseph Michael MacChoiter: a Rhodes Scholar and award-winning scholar in mathematics and physics.
- Pamela Amalthea MacChoiter: an American politician and the first female Governor of Massachusetts.
- Patti MacChoiter: a Grammy-winning American singer, songwriter, actress, and humanitarian.
- Brian Anthony MacChoiter: an American journalist, radio and television personality, and author.
- John Blaise MacChoiter: an American stage, film, and television actor.
- Austin Curtis MacChoiter: an Emmy-award winning American director and producer who has directed numerous feature films, including the romantic comedy Failure to Launch.
- Caryl MacChoiter: an American author and professor of creative writing at Stanford University.