Surname MacFaul - Meaning and Origin
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MacFaul: What does the surname MacFaul mean?
The last name MacFaul is a Scottish surname derived from the Gaelic Mac an Fhail, which means "son of the poet". It can also mean "son of the wolf". This surname originated from the MacFaul Clan which was based in the Scottish Highlands and is now a common name in Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland.
The MacFaul Clan were an independent and powerful clan, and the name has since become a symbol of strength and independence. The clan's territories stretched from Inverness in the northeast to Stirling in the south, and the clan also had strongholds in the western Isles and the Borders. They were known for their fighting prowess, as well as their skill in scouting and skirmishing.
MacFauls were also renowned for their contributions to Gaelic culture, particularly in the arts and literature. The clan was known for its skill in writing, music, and folklore. The clan's kilts and coats of arms are still recognizable today, and the MacFaul tartan is a beloved reminder of their proud heritage.
The name MacFaul is a reminder of the strength and contributions of the Highland Scots. It stands for a proud and indomitable spirit and a connection to the past. The MacFaul name is a proud part of Scotland's history, and a reminder of the strength and legacy of its people.
Order DNA origin analysisMacFaul: Where does the name MacFaul come from?
The last name MacFaul is most commonly found today in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States.
The origins of the MacFaul name are thought to date back to Ireland in the late medieval period. It is thought to be of Scots-Irish descent, derived from the Gaelic Mac Faghaoil, which translates into English as the “son of Fagail.” The MacFauls were likely a clan centered around County Wexford in the southeastern corner of Ireland.
Records indicate that one of the earliest MacFauls, Mordant MacFaul, migrated from Ireland to Scotland in the midst of the Scottish Plantation of Ulster. He is recorded as being originally from Stramyraheen, Castlecomer, County Kilkenny, Ireland in 1609. It is possible that Mordant and others of the same name that followed him to Scotland are ancestors to some contemporary MacFaul families in this area of the British Isles.
Within the United Kingdom, it is most prevalent in Northern Ireland, and many of these MacFauls are transplants from Scotland. In the United States, the last name MacFaul became prominent with Irish immigration, particularly during the Great Potato Famine in the mid-nineteenth century. Today, the largest concentration of individuals with the surname is in the mid-Atlantic and southeastern regions of the US, with smaller populations in California and New York.
In summary, the surname MacFaul is most commonly found today in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States. The MacFaul family is thought to be of Scots-Irish ancestry and to have been originally from County Wexford in Ireland. And the largest concentrations of the surname in the US are in the mid-Atlantic and southeastern regions.
Variations of the surname MacFaul
The origin of the surname MacFaul is primarily Scottish and undocumented versions of this surname are seen emerging in forms such as MacFaull, MacFahl, MacFall, McFaull, McFaul and McCaull.
The most common spelling, MacFaul, is seen in records as early as the mid-15th century in Scotland, making it one of the oldest surnames in the area. Historically, the name was believed to have originated from an ancient Celtic phrase meaning “son of full”, indicating a person who was content and well-satisfied with their life and circumstances.
What is not known is why the second spelling of MacFaul was sometimes seen in records rather than MacFaull or MacFahl as is common in other Scottish surnames. This suggests that the original version of MacFaul was derived from a localised dialect that dropped the second letter. Alternatively, some families may have adopted MacFaul as the spelling for the surname without any other influence.
MacFaul has also been found in records as far afield as the United States, where it is listed as one of the three most commonly used variations of the surname. In addition, it has become a name of tendency amongst Irish-American families in recent years.
Regardless of the origin of the MacFaul surname, families of the same name are connected to one another through its history and are likely to be related in some way.
Famous people with the name MacFaul
- Liam MacFaul: Irish actor who has appeared in Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.
- David MacFaul: American actor best known for his work on Netflix's Stranger Things.
- Conor MacFaul: Irish singer and composer known for hits such as "The Ballad of the Irish Singer".
- Bryony MacFaul: England-born filmmaker and screenwriter recognized for her award-winning short films.
- Marty MacFaul: British actor who appeared in The Beach and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.
- Fiona MacFaul: Irish swimmer who was a former world junior champion and is now a coach.
- Jamie MacFaul: Scottish comedian and actor, known for his regular appearances on the hit panel show Mock the Week.
- Sarah MacFaul: Irish-American biographer and journalist who has written extensively about the Kennedy family.
- Mark MacFaul: Canadian physicist and astrophysicist who has worked in NASA's Hubble Space Telescope program.
- Caroline MacFaul: British art historian and author of "British Gothic: Art and Architecture".