Surname MacKerrisk - Meaning and Origin
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MacKerrisk: What does the surname MacKerrisk mean?
The last name MacKerrisk is a Scottish patronymic surname derived from the name MacGerrithas. The origin of the name is from the Old Gaelic Mac Garrithaigh, which means "son of Gerrit or Gerard," and was a term of endearment used to refer to the head of the family.
The name MacKerrisk can be found in Scotland and elsewhere in Britain, where it was taken by those who followed Irish or Scottish settlers. It is a common surname in Scotland and appears in records throughout the country. It is also spelled MacGerras or MacGerrity in some areas.
The surname MacKerrisk is associated with clans in the Highlands of Scotland. The most prominent clan is Clan MacKerrisk, which was a branch of Clan Donald. The members of the clan are tied to the lands of Lauchline, Gonday, and Glen Keirnan in the Argyll area. A long line of MacKerrisk chiefs was established by early 1500s.
The MacKerrisk surname is also associated with Ireland, having been brought to Ireland by the Normans in the 12th century. Here the surname was Anglicized to MacGerras and is mainly found in the counties of Cork, Galway, and Mayo.
The MacKerrisk surname is an important part of the history and heritage of both Scotland and Ireland. It is a reminder of the long and often difficult struggle to establish and secure a safe and prosperous future for families. This surname will continue to be passed on for generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisMacKerrisk: Where does the name MacKerrisk come from?
The last name MacKerrisk is most commonly found today in Ireland and Scotland, with the vast majority of people named MacKerrisk living in these two countries. In Ireland, the MacKerrisk surname is predominantly found in the Connacht and Leinster provinces. Many also have MacKerrisk ancestry that comes from folk who emigrated from Scotland during the 17 and 18th centuries.
In Scotland, the clan name originated in the North East, with many of the older families living in the coastal area called Banffshire. It is believed that the clan name MacKerrisk originates from here.
The MacKerrisk family has spread across the world, with family members now living in countries such as the United States, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia.
The popularity of the MacKerrisk name is evidenced by many well-known people in history with the surname, including the Gaelic poet Alexander MacKerrisk who was born in Scotland in 1778, as well as the current musician and actor Liam MacKerrisk.
Today, the MacKerrisk name is mostly associated with Scotland and Ireland, although the family has now spread across the globe.
Variations of the surname MacKerrisk
MacKerrisk is a surname of Scottish and Irish origin. It is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Eachmharcaigh meaning “son of Eachmharcaigh”, a personal name composed of “each" meaning horse and "mharcaigh” meaning rider. This surname can also be spelled as MacKeris, MacKerric, MacKerricke, MacCoserious, McKerrisk, Makereece, Mackerisse, McErisk, McCerrisk, MacCorrisk, McCorsick, MacKorisk, Makorrish, McCarus, McCarthy or McCorrick. Variant spellings are common for both Scottish and Irish surnames given the alien influence on pronunciation. For example, MacKerrisk can also be spelled Makarisky, Makarosh, Makarists, Makaryushka, Makorrieshka, Makarichka, Makarich, Makaricius, Makarishka, or Makarische. Other Scottish surnames of the same origin include McCarey, Carewe, Corr, Carbon, Carron, Corrigan, Coruston and McKiernan. Irish surnames that share a similar origin include Caraher, Caragher, McCarraher, O’Carraher, Corish, O’Kerrisk and O’Cerish.
The surname MacKerrisk is not as common as some of the other Scottish and Irish surnames of its origin. However, its various spellings and variants provide valuable insight into the broader landscape of Irish and Scottish names. This name is rarely seen without a significant alteration in spelling, since even those with a knowledge of Gaelic may struggle to accurately spell the more complex names. People with this surname would be wise to conduct additional research in order to trace their ancestors back to their Scottish and Irish roots.
Famous people with the name MacKerrisk
- Marcy MacKerrisk: Canadian-American actor, director, screenwriter, and producer.
- Carlo MacKerrisk: Australian rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s.
- Robert MacKerrisk: British actor, known for The Weakest Link and Celebs in Solve It.
- Ryan MacKerrisk: British football forward who plays for FC United of Manchester.
- Angus MacKerrisk: Irish actor, known for his roles in Monroe and Without a Voice.
- Brian MacKerrisk: Canadian singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist.
- Angus MacKerrisk: New Zealand actor, known for his roles in What Becomes of the Broken Hearted? and Down by the River.
- Graham MacKerrisk: Irish racing driver, competed in the Formula Vee and Formula Ford championships.
- Michael MacKerrisk: former American football defensive end who played for the Detroit Lions in the NFL.
- Kylie MacKerrisk: Australian football striker who currently plays for Brisbane Roar.