Surname MacDugal - Meaning and Origin
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MacDugal: What does the surname MacDugal mean?
The surname MacDugal is of Scottish origin, and primarily associated with Scotland's West Coast and Hebrides Islands. The name is a variant of MacDougall, derived from the Gaelic "Mac Dhùghaill" which translates to the "son of Dugald" or "son of Dougal." The name Dugald or Dougal itself is derived from the Gaelic “Dùbhghall” composed of two elements: “dubh” and “gall,” which respectively mean “black” and “stranger.” This term was historically used by the Gaels to describe the Scandinavian Vikings who had dark hair and were considered "strangers" or "foreigners." Therefore, the surname MacDugal correlates to a notion of being related to a dark stranger, probably alluding to the historical Viking ancestry.
Order DNA origin analysisMacDugal: Where does the name MacDugal come from?
The surname MacDugal originates from Scotland and is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Mac Dhùghaill, meaning "son of Dougal". The personal name Dougal, composed of the elements "dubh" meaning dark and "gall" meaning stranger, was used to describe the Danes. This implies that the MacDugals are of Viking ancestry. The MacDugals were a powerful family in Argyll and the Isles during the Middle Ages and can trace their lineage back to Somerled, the 12th-century Gaelic-Norse Warrior King.
Today, due to historical events like the Highland Clearances and significant immigration waves, the name can be found not just in Scotland but also in countries where Scots have emigrated. This includes nations such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, it remains most common in Scotland, particularly within the region of Argyll and Bute. Due to variations in spelling, MacDugal may also be found as MacDougall, McDougall, or McDougal.
Variations of the surname MacDugal
The surname MacDugal is of Scottish origin and it has several variations and alternate spellings that are used around the world today. These include: McDougal, McDougall, McDougald, McDugald, MacDougall, MacDougal, MacDugald, MacDougald, and MacDowel.
In Scottish Gaelic, the name is also written as MacDhùghaill which came from the personal name Dubhgall, composed of the elements “Dubh” meaning black and “Gall” meaning stranger. This surname was traditionally associated with clans in the Argyll region of Scotland.
In ancestry research, it is also common to see anglicized or phonetic-based spelling variations of the same surname. For example, the surnames Dowell, Dowall, Dougal, Doogall, Dugle or Dugall can also be linked to the original Scottish surname MacDugal.
In terms of surname variants of the same origin, often, the prefix 'Mac' can be dropped, truncated, or replaced with 'Mc', indicating "son of." Therefore, look out for variants such as: Dugal, Dougall, Dougal, Dugald, and Dugall. However, please note that the surname without the Mac/Mc prefix could have separate origins and it is advisable to verify genealogical records.
Famous people with the name MacDugal
- Aloha Wanderwell-Baker (born Idris Galcia Hall, later known as Aloha Wanderwell before marrying Walter Baker), was an adventurer and filmmaker also known by the alias of Aloha MacDugal.
- Ian MacDugal is a well-known surfer, though not as famous as some of the other individuals on this list.
- Braden MacDugal is an emerging figure in the field of computer science.
- Roderick MacDugal, a Scottish folk musician popular in the UK.
- Greta MacDugal, a renowned author and creative writing teacher.
- Colin MacDugal, a respected veterinarian and animal rights activist.
- Miranda MacDugal, a popular food blogger and cookbook author. Please note that many historical figures from Scotland carried the surname "MacDougall" as it is a common Scottish surname traditionally associated with a powerful Scottish clan from Argyll. But the spelling "MacDugal" is slightly less common and most individuals with this name are not internationally famous. The people listed above are less likely to be recognized world-wide, yet they have made remarkable contributions within their fields.