Surname MacIlrath - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacIlrath: What does the surname MacIlrath mean?
The surname MacIlrath is thought to originate in Scotland. It is derived from Mac an t-Saoir (son of the craftsman) and Mac Ilraoigh (son of the merchant). The prefix “Mac” translates to “son of” in Gaelic and “Ilrath” comes from “Ilor” which is an old Scottish word meaning “merchant” or “craftsman.”
The MacIlrath family is historically associated with Scotland and Northern Ireland, where it is still found today. In some records, the MacIlrath family is listed as Clayragh which is derived from “Cluaraigh” which means wrestling. This suggests that the MacIlrath family has strong links to sports and participating in wrestling tournaments.
Historically, it is believed that the MacIlrath family was from a prominent Scottish clan who lived in the north of Scotland in a region known as Tartan. The clan members predominantly worked as merchants and craftsmen. Other parts of the family were known to be land owners. The MacIlrath family also had close links to the borderlands between Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The MacIlrath surname is now found in many countries around the world. Traditionally, the family was associated with enterprises such as trading, farming, fishing and weaving. Throughout Scottish and Irish history, the MacIlraths have played a significant role in many battles.
Overall, the MacIlrath surname has been a strong part of Scottish and Irish history for centuries and it is a great source of pride and identity for many people who are connected to the family name.
Order DNA origin analysisMacIlrath: Where does the name MacIlrath come from?
The MacIlrath surname is a native Gaelic Irish name, which originated from County Donegal in Ulster in the north of Ireland. There is evidence that the MacIlrath name is of Scottish as well as Irish origin.
Today, individuals with the MacIlrath surname can be found throughout the world, including in Ireland, Scotland, the United States, Canada, and Australia. Most of the individuals carrying the MacIlrath name live in Ulster, with the majority of them located in County Donegal. This county boasts a significant population of individuals with the MacIlrath surname, making it appear to be the most populous area where the surname is found.
In the United States, the number of individuals with the MacIlrath name is much lower than in Ireland. The majority of individuals with the MacIlrath name in the United States are of Irish descent, with some having migrated from Ireland in the 19th century or earlier. Significant numbers of individuals with the MacIlrath name can also be found in other countries, such as Canada, England, and Australia.
Overall, the MacIlrath surname remains widespread throughout the world today. Though the prevalence of the name has decreased since its emergence centuries ago, its legacy is still alive and present in many individuals carrying the MacIlrath name today.
Variations of the surname MacIlrath
The most common variant of the surname MacIlrath is MacIlraith, which is a Gaelic patronymic (an inherited family name). The Gaelic root word for MacIlrath is Mac Giolla Riabhaich, meaning “son of Riabhaich”. As with many Gaelic surnames, varying spellings of the name developed over time, leading to some very interesting variations.
These variations of MacIlrath include MacIlory, MacIlwraith, McIlroy, McElraith, McElreath, McIlwraithe, McIllventions, MacIlreatha, McLreath, McLraith, McLwreth, MacElriche, MacElreath, MacIlrae, MacLair and MacLerich.
The Americanized spellings are McLerith and McLeroy, while in the United States the spelling McLeroy is the most popular.
Other anglicised forms of the original Gaelic name are MacLerran, An Gille Bhriocain and MacLaverty.
In Scotland, there are over 1000 families using the MacIlrath and variations of it. Those who trace their origin to Ireland are concentrated in Ulster Province, mainly in County Antrim and Down.
In Australia, the MacIlrath family is found in Melbourne and Sydney, as well as other states.
In Canada, the MacIlraths (or variants of it) are mainly concentrated in and around Ontario.
In New Zealand, the MacIlraths are mainly found in Auckland and Wellington.
Overall, McIlrath is a popular surname, and its variants spellings and origins make it an interesting one to explore for those researching their family history.
Famous people with the name MacIlrath
- Bruce MacIlrath: an American professional ice hockey player who most recently played with the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League.
- Sean MacIlrath: a Scottish actor, best known for his roles in the television series The Bletchley Circle and Disney's Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.
- Gavin MacIlrath: a Northern Irish filmmaker, director, and actor. He has made numerous critically acclaimed short films and feature films.
- Clive MacIlrath: a retired English footballer who played for Wolverhampton Wanderers and Preston North End.
- Shay MacIlrath: an Australian musician, best known as the lead singer of the rock band Face to Face.
- Michael MacIlrath: an American actor, best known for his roles in the films The Outsiders, Clockwatchers, and God Bless America.
- Tom MacIlrath: an American singer, songwriter and musician, best known as the front-man of the punk rock group Rise Against.
- Mae MacIlrath: an American author and playwright, best known for her plays The Last Summer and A Long Way Home.
- Rowan MacIlrath: a Scottish actor, best known for his roles in the television series Father Brown and the movie adaptation of Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging.
- Erik MacIlrath: an American stand-up comedian and actor, best known for his roles in the films Impastor and Bojack Horseman.