Surname MacDougall - Meaning and Origin
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MacDougall: What does the surname MacDougall mean?
The surname MacDougall is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic "Mac Dhùghaill," which means "son of Dougal.” The personal name Dougal, on which the surname is based, comes from the Gaelic "Dubhghall," comprised of two elements: "dubh" means "black", and "gall" means "stranger". This term was originally used to refer to the Danish Vikings who settled in the Western Isles of Scotland. The MacDougalls, therefore, are descendants of these inhabitants. The MacDougall clan originated in Argyll in western Scotland, with their strongholds on the islands of Kerrera and Lorne. They were a significant power in western Scotland during the 13th and 14th centuries, providing notable influence during the Scottish Wars of Independence. However, owing to their opposition to Robert the Bruce, their influence declined after his victory at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Despite their varied history, the MacDougalls are still recognized as one of the classic Scottish clans today.
Order DNA origin analysisMacDougall: Where does the name MacDougall come from?
The last name MacDougall has its roots in Scottish history, originating from the Gaelic personal name 'Dubhghall', which means 'dark stranger'. It was a term used by the native Gaels to describe the invading Scandinavians, thus the name has Viking connection.
The MacDougalls were a powerful family in Scotland, primarily in the region known as Argyll. The family’s lineage can be traced back to Somerled, a 12th-century Lord of the Isles. The Clan MacDougall was recognized and influential in medieval Scotland.
Today, the last name MacDougall is found widely across Scotland and in countries where Scottish people have emigrated. The largest concentrations of individuals with the surname can be found in Canada, the United States, Australia, and the UK, where many Scottish people settled during and after the time of the Highland Clearances in the 18th and 19th centuries. Within the United States, it's more common in states that saw significant Scottish immigration, like New York and Massachusetts.
Variations of the surname MacDougall
The surname MacDougall, of Scottish origin, has several variations and different spellings due to anglicization and transcription errors over the years. Some of these include MacDugal, McDougal, McDougald, McDougall, MacDougald, Dugald, Dougall, and Dougal.
In certain parts of Scotland, where the "Mac" prefix was not as common, the surname would often be simply Dugall. The prefix "Mac" translates to "Son of," which means all these variations are variations of "Son of Dougall." The name Dougall itself is derived from the Scottish Gaelic "Dùghall," which signifies a dark or foreign stranger.
Some surnames are phonetic variations due to variations in regional accents and translation from Gaelic to English. These include Mcdoogle, McDugle, McDougle, Macdougle, Macdoogle, Macdugle, and McDougled. The use of lower case "d" or "g" like in McDougle or Macdougald is also common. There might be many other mutations of the surname that have evolved over centuries and across different geographical areas.
As for surnames of the same origin, similar Gaelic surnames where "Mac" denotes "Son of," such as MacDonald, MacDonnell, or MacDowell could be considered.
Famous people with the name MacDougall
- Dan MacDougall: television presenter and political reporter
- Cameron MacDougall: former professional NHL player
- David MacDougall: documentary filmmaker and anthropologist
- Grant MacDougall: American biologist and chemist
- Cecil MacDougall: Scottish football referee
- Robert MacDougall: Canadian politician
- Jack MacDougall: grandfather of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
- William MacDougall: Canadian politician and founder of the Liberal-Conservative Party
- Alexander MacDougall: Scottish soldier and regimental commander
- John MacDougall: American actor and television Casting Director