Surname MacKerlich - Meaning and Origin

MacKerlich: What does the surname MacKerlich mean?

The last name MacKerlich is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic Mac Erlich, the name of a small clan first recorded in the Argyll region of Scotland in the 12th century. The MacKerlichs were known as stern warriors and skilled navigators, particularly in relation to trade.

The original meaning of Mac Erlich was "son of Erlich", the latter being a diminutive of names such as Eric or Erick. These names are derived from the Old Norse eiðr, which means oath. This suggests that the MacKerlich clan was linked to a powerful Scandinavian leader at the time, and paid homage to him through their family name.

The MacKerlich clan was eventually spread as far as Edinburg, Aberdeen, and the surrounding areas. Over time, the name has evolved and is now recognized by a variety of spellings, however, all still trace their descent to the original founder of the clan.

Today, the MacKerlich surname not only reflects the legacy of a powerful and respected clan, but also the unwavering commitment to family and duty displayed by their ancestors. This name is a proud reminder of the clan’s antiquity and their contribution to the Scottish nation.

MacKerlich: Where does the name MacKerlich come from?

The last name MacKerlich is most commonly found in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands. It is believed to have originated from the Clan MacConacher or of the MacNab clans, who were given the title of Laird of the Clan Mackerras in the 17th century. The surname is also present in many parts of Ireland, particularly in Ulster, where it is commonly associated with the Ui Brebne people who settled there in the 11th century.

MacKerlich can also be found in the United States and Canada, although it is much rarer than its British and Irish variants. In fact, it only appears in census records from the 18th century in America, and so the family line is likely to have come from a much earlier wave of immigrants, although this is impossible to prove. It is possible that the name could have come from another Scottish clan, such as the MacNeill or the MacIntyre, which both had branches in the United States and Canada.

In Scotland, the name MacKerlich can often be seen attached to townships and castles, such as the Clan MacKerras Castle in Northern Scotland. It is also present amongst many place names and businesses throughout the Highlands, particularly in Inverness and the surrounding counties.

The surname MacKerlich is also widespread throughout the world, with people bearing the name living in Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, and other parts of Europe. It may also have been adopted as a surname in other countries by those with Highland roots who have since moved elsewhere.

Variations of the surname MacKerlich

MacKerlich is an old Scots Gaelic surname originating from Lowland Scotland. It is derived from the root word "machair," which means "plain." It has been spelled in various ways over the centuries and is still in use today in Scotland and elsewhere. Variations in spelling include MacKerlie, MkKerly, Macharly, MacKerllich, McKerlick, McKerlich and many others.

The parish of Kirklauchlane in Ayrshire is the ancestral homeland of the surname. From here, it spread to other parts of Scotland. It is also found in England, Ireland, Australia, Canada, the United States and elsewhere, with variations in spelling appearing over time.

Aderly, Makerelich and MacKerly are surnames of the same origin. Other variations include Aderlie, Aderleach, Aderlyach, MacKerlichaugh, MacKerlea, MacKerleagh, MacKerlaigh, and MacKerlych.

The MacKerlich variation is found mostly in Scotland and the United States, while the MacKerly variation is found mostly in Ireland.

McKerlich, McKerly and McKerleech all come from the same root. The McKerlich variation is found mainly in Canada and the United States, while the McKerly variation is found mainly in Scotland.

The `A' may be dropped from some of these variations, to create the surnames Klerlie, Klerly, Klerlaigh, Kleraugh and Klerlea. As the spelling has been adapted to different regions over time, there are other variations of the surname.

No matter the spelling, the name of MacKerlich is an old Scottish surname, with a proud history and a rich cultural heritage.

Famous people with the name MacKerlich

• Scott MacKerlich: Scottish poet and playwright.
• Deborah MacKerlich: American landscape artist.
• Mike MacKerlich: American television producer.
• Joshua MacKerlich: Canadian animator.
• Shauna MacKerlich: Canadian actor and writer.
• Robert MacKerlich: Australian triathlete.
• Ricky MacKerlich: American music producer and film composer.
• Max MacKerlich: British comedian and actor.
• Robert MacKerlich: American filmmaker and screenwriter.
• Elizabeth MacKerlich: English novelist.
• Greg MacKerlich: American television journalist.
• Steven MacKerlich: American musician.
• Ross MacKerlich: British author and philosopher.
• Caroline MacKerlich: American artist and sculptor.
• Jonathan MacKerlich: Canadian actor.
• Eileen MacKerlich: American singer, songwriter and actress.
• AnnMarie MacKerlich: American composer, musician and producer.
• Sean MacKerlich: American poet and illustrator.
• Patrick MacKerlich: Canadian poet, writer and composer.
• Jon MacKerlich: American actor and filmmaker.

Other surnames

MacKerley