Surname MacCuAirt - Meaning and Origin
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MacCuAirt: What does the surname MacCuAirt mean?
The surname MacCuAirt is an old Irish surname originating from the eleventh century. The name is a variant of the Gaelic Ó’Ciardha, which means 'descendant of the dark-haired one'. The Irish names Ó Ciaradh and MacCuAirt were both used to denote people of Irish descent. Historically, those with the surname were likely Gaelic-speaking, descended from a respected family lineage, and were of noble class.
The MacCuAirt surname is associated with families from counties Donegal, Offaly, Mayo and Galway in Ireland. The names began to appear in records as far back as 1404, when a MacCurtaige family member, named Flaonfhara, was mentioned in a document from Oriel, County Louth. During the extensive Cromwellian settlement of Munster in the mid-17th century, many of the MacCuAirt families migrated to neighbouring counties, like County Kilkenny.
Today, those with the surname MacCuAirt or its variants are well spread throughout the countries of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The name MacCuAirt is still in use today by descendants of those who bear it originally, and it stands as evidence of the ancient ties between the North and South of Ireland.
Order DNA origin analysisMacCuAirt: Where does the name MacCuAirt come from?
The surname MacCuAirt is most commonly associated with Ireland and is derived from the old Irish surname Mac an Mhaoir, which translates to “son of the steward”. It is one of the most widespread names in Ireland and is commonly found in many parts of the country. From County Donegal in the north, to County Carlow in the south, and from County Monaghan in the east to County Galway in the west, the MacCuAirt surname is found in many of the Irish counties.
Outside of Ireland, the MacCuAirt surname is found among Irish immigrants to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The proliferation of the surname in these countries largely began in the late nineteenth century when many Irish people were emigrating in search of both political freedom and better economic opportunities. These immigrants often found success in their new homes, and their surname has been especially prominent in professions such as medicine and politics.
The adage “once an Irishman, always an Irishman” still holds true in the twenty first century, and the MacCuAirt surname is still especially prominent in Irish communities both in Ireland and abroad. In fact, recent research conducted by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs has indicated that the MacCuAirt surname is one of the most common surnames among Irish emigrants in the world today.
Variations of the surname MacCuAirt
The MacCuAirt surname is derived from the Gaelic Mac an tSaoir, which translates as ‘son of the craftsman’ and its variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin in Irish include MacCurt, MacCurr, MacKurt, McKerty, McKerry and McKerter.
In English, the MacCuAirt bloodline has been spelled as MacCartney, MacKerty, McCahrt, McCarty, MacCardy, MacKerter, McKert, and Makkert.
In Scotland, the MacCuAirt family name has been spelled MacCorkindale, McWhirter, Curington and Courington among other variations.
The MacCartney spelling of the name is also localized in Antrim, Ireland and the McKerty spelling in Donegal, Ireland.
In the United States, the McKerty family can be traced to Georgia and the McKerry family resides in Pennsylvania. The McKerty, MacKardie and McKert surnames are all found in Alabama.
The MacCartney spelling is found most frequently in Ontario, Canada. While the MacKerty and MacCardy surnames can be found in other parts of Canada, the MacCardy name is more localized in Saskatchewan and Ontario.
These widespread spellings and surnames of the MacCuAirt family demonstrate the far-reaching diaspora of the Irish MacCuAirt bloodlines.
Famous people with the name MacCuAirt
- Breandan MacCuairt: Irish Gaelic writer, poet, playwright, novelist, and translator.
- Mairtin MacCuairt: Irish historian, critic, former MP of the Irish Republican Army.
- Peadar MacCuairt: Irish poet, writer, and musician.
- Brian MacCuairt: Former Chief of Police of the Garda Síochána (Irish National Police).
- Flor MacCuairt: Irish theatre practitioner, styles herself as “ireland’s feminist director”.
- Caoimhe MacCuairt: Voice actress and comedian from Dublin.
- Saoirse MacCuairt: award-winning Irish sculptor and figurative artist.
- Seaghan MacCuairt: Irish actor best known for his roles in films and television shows.
- Nuala MacCuairt: Writer, journalist, artist, and educator from Dublin.
- Cathair MacCuairt: Irish television presenter, actor, and theater director.