Surname MacErrachar - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacErrachar: What does the surname MacErrachar mean?
The last name MacErrachar is derived from the Old Scottish surname MacErachar, which means “son of Erachar.” The root of the name is the personal name “Erc,” which is of Irish origin and means “honor” or “nobility.” MacErachar is believed to be a surname has been adopted from the ancient Irish name O'Neary or O'Naray. This name is derived from the Irish Gaelic “O’ lan Iar” which translates to “descendant of Erachar.”
The various forms of the last name, such as MacErachar, MacErar, MacErach and MacEratch, were all derived from the original Irish spelling. The name is most commonly found in Scotland, Ireland, and Northern England.
The MacErrachar name became very popular in the 18th century due to its status as a clan surname. Clan surnames are inherited and typically pass down through the male line of a family, meaning that a person belonging to a specific clan typically shares a last name with his or her father, grandfather, and other male relatives. This name may have also been adopted by individuals who wanted to represent a sense of nobility and honor associated with the name MacErrachar.
The surname can now be found in many different countries including the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, and Australia. Even though the MacErrachar surname is relatively common, it still offers an intriguing glimpse into the ancestral history of those who carry the name.
Order DNA origin analysisMacErrachar: Where does the name MacErrachar come from?
Today, the last name MacErrachar is most commonly found in Canada. Specifically, the name is most prevalent in the province of Quebec, where it originated. It is believed that the name was first used by Jacob “MacErrachar” MacEachern, who lived in Quebec in the late 17th century.
The name MacErrachar is derived from the Gaelic MacEachern, which literally translates to “son of the son of the carpenter.” This suggests that the original bearer of the name may have been a carpenter or tradesman in the area.
Over the last few centuries, the MacErrachar family has spread across Canada. The name can be found in some parts of the U.S., particularly in areas with large scale Scottish immigration such as California, New York, Massachusetts, and Florida. Additionally, the name can also be found in the United Kingdom, particularly in Scotland where it shares a connection with the MacEachern family still living there.
Despite the name's scattered presence, Quebec is still the region where the surname is most commonly found. This is because many descendants of Jacob MacEachern stayed rooted in Quebec, and it is believed that the MacErrachar family in Quebec today still traces its roots back to Jacob MacEachern.
Variations of the surname MacErrachar
The surname MacErrachar is an anglicised version of the Scottish Gaelic MacHartair, which can also be anglicised as, MacHarter, MacHarthur, MacHurtar, MacKerracher, and MacRacher. The surname usually originates from the Scottish Highlands, with its Gaelic root stemming from Mac meaning “son of” and Hartair a personal name.
The MacHartair variant of the surname is derived from the patronymic name Mac an Charthair, translating into ‘son of the carter’, with the carter referring to a horse-drawn cart used to transport goods. It is also believed to derive from the Irish name Mac Cathair, from the Irish word ‘cathair’, meaning a military camp.
Variations of the MacErrachar surname include MacHerachar, MacHeracher, MacKaracher, MacCarracher, MacKerracher, Makatir, Makater, Makatyr, Makaterra, MacCuer, MacCurrach, MacCurrech, and MacConnachar. Alternate spellings of the surname include Marckherr, Merchier, and Markhar.
The MacErrachar and related variations of the surname are common throughout North America and the United Kingdom, with some people having adopted different spellings or variations upon migration.
Famous people with the name MacErrachar
- Ian MacErrachar: former Celtic and Scotland footballer.
- George MacErrachar: conductor of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
- Niall MacErrachar: former Saint John’s University men’s hockey coach.
- Robert MacErrachar: former NBA basketball player.
- Melissa MacErrachar: Canadian figure skater.
- Ken MacErrachar: former NFL football player.
- Colin MacErrachar: Scottish professional golfer.
- Jack MacErrachar: former NHL hockey player.
- Gaston MacErrachar: Oscar-winning costume designer.
- Paul MacErrachar: Academy Award-nominated director.