Surname MacIlraith - Meaning and Origin
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MacIlraith: What does the surname MacIlraith mean?
The surname MacIlraith is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic "Mac Giolla Riabhaich", which translates to "son of the brindled lad". The brindled term is generally used to describe a brownish or tawny color with streaks of other colors, often used for animals like dogs, cows, and horses. Thus, the surname could imply a lineage or kinship to a person who was known for his streaked or multicolored appearance. Over time, as with many Gaelic surnames, the spelling and pronunciation have been Anglicized, resulting in variations such as MacIlraith. It is worth noting that the precise meaning of old Gaelic surnames can sometimes be lost or obscured over the centuries, and interpretations can vary. Given its origin, this surname is most commonly found among Scottish families, particularly those with ties to the ancient kingdoms of Dalriada and Galloway in southwestern Scotland.
Order DNA origin analysisMacIlraith: Where does the name MacIlraith come from?
The last name MacIlraith is of Scottish origin. It is a variant of the surname MacRae, which is derived from the old Scottish personal name MacRath, meaning "son of grace." This name is associated with the Clans of Scotland, specifically Clan MacRae, which has its roots in the highland region of Wester Ross in Northwest Scotland.
Today, as a result of Scottish emigration centuries ago, this surname and its derivatives can be found in places all around the world. However, MacIlraith is considered a rare surname, as it is less common than its variations such as MacRae or McRae. Countries such as Scotland, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand may have individuals or families bearing this last name due to historical migration patterns. The name's distribution is likely to be more diffuse in these countries, rather than it being particularly concentrated in one specific area. As it is rare, it may not be common anywhere today.
Variations of the surname MacIlraith
The surname MacIlraith is of Scottish origin. It stems from a Hebridean family that was known by various spellings including Macilvrae, Macilwraith, and Macilrath, among others. These different forms have likely evolved due to regional pronunciations and phonetic interpretations over centuries as literacy rates were not high in medieval Scotland.
Common variations also include MacGillivray, Macilwreach, Macgilvrae, and Macillverie. The first part "Mac" (or Mc) in Scottish and Irish surnames typically translates to "son of,". The second part of the name, Ilraith, is less clear but is possibly derived from an ancient first name or occupational title.
Surname spelling could also be impacted by Anglicization, which might have introduced additional versions like McIlraith, McGilvray, or MacElrath, essentially carrying the same meaning as the original surname. However, the convenience or status of a 'simplified' spelling often led to such changes.
Remember, alternate spellings of the same original surname are typically due to document transcription errors and the fact that names were often recorded as they sounded.
Famous people with the name MacIlraith
- William MacIlraith (1871–1949), linguist and antiquarian
- Duncan MacIlraith (1931–2005), journalist and media commentator
- Colin MacIlraith (1869–1927), Scottish politician
- Jack MacIlraith (1877–1957), Scottish footballer
- Alex MacIlraith (born 1986), Scottish rugby union player
- Paul MacIlraith (born 1967), Scottish professional football player
- Scott MacIlraith (1940–2012), Canadian politician
- Adam MacIlraith (born 1990), Scottish professional footballer
- Jamie MacIlraith (born 1995), Scottish amateur wrestler and professional footballer
- Gordon MacIlraith (born 1937), Scottish politician