Surname MacMordoch - Meaning and Origin
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MacMordoch: What does the surname MacMordoch mean?
The last name MacMordoch is an Anglicised version of the Scottish Gaelic MacMhuirich, which can be translated to mean "son of Murdoch." This is essentially a patronymic surname which originates from a given name. The given name “Murdoch” has its origins in the Gaelic “Murchadh,” which can be translated to mean “sea warrior” or “protector of the sea.”
Given its origin, the last name MacMordoch likely came from a Scotsman who was a proud protector of the sea, or who lived in a coastal area. The coast provided a great deal of opportunity in terms of travel, fishing, trading, and piracy, so a person with the last name MacMordoch might have been a trader or sailor during the height of the Scottish Empire’s power and influence. Plus, the knowledge and experience of the sea would have also been a valuable asset for the defense of Scotland’s coastlines against potential invaders.
In modern times, the people with the MacMordoch surname can likely trace their lineage back to a proud protector of the coastal areas of Scotland. People with this surname can be proud of their ancestral legacy, and the courage of their ancestors who embraced a dangerous living.
Order DNA origin analysisMacMordoch: Where does the name MacMordoch come from?
The last name MacMordoch is of Scottish origin, and is most common in the Scottish Highlands.
The MacMordochs were a sept of Clan Cameron, one of the oldest and largest Highland clans. The clan is considered one of the most powerful in Scotland, with a long and proud history that many Scottish families still trace through today.
The MacMordoch family historically resided in the Lochaber and Ardnamurchan regions of Scotland, near the shores of Loch Linnhe. In the 18th century, many of the family spread to other parts of Scotland, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Ayrshire, and North Uist.
In the present day, the MacMordoch surname is still relatively common in the Highland regions of Scotland, particularly the Highlands of Inverness and Lochaber. It is also found in areas of eastern Scotland, such as Aberdeenshire and Angus, where the family has been dispersed since the 18th century.
Outside of Scotland, MacMordoch is most commonly found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is estimated that there are currently around 350,000 people bearing the MacMordoch surname living in these countries today.
Variations of the surname MacMordoch
MacMordoch is a Scottish surname, first found in Argyllshire where the family has been an integral part of the county for many generations.
The variants of MacMordoch include MacMurdo, MacMurdoch, MacMurduc, MacMurdag, MacMurdam, MacMurdie, MacMurdoch, MacMurduck, McMurdo, McMurdoch, McMurdag, McMurdam, McMurduck, MacMurder, MacMurdoock and MacMyrdock.
The surname MacMordoch may also be spelled MacMurdoch, with the same meaning. Additionally, this surname can be interpreted as 'Son of Mordoch' and is derived from the Old Irish personal name Muircheartach, meaning 'sea warrior'.
While the spelling of MacMurdoch is the most common, other spellings of the surname can be found, some of which are listed above. Each spelling may or may not have its own origin and meaning when interpreted, and each has its own specific history, including the same surname being used by multiple branches of the same family or by different families.
The surname MacMurdoch may also appear as a variant or under the name variants in various records, as well as appear in other forms such as Murdoc and Murdoock. There are also various translations of the name, for example, McMurdag, which means 'son of the sea warrior'.
Finally, some of the variants of this surname include MacMurduff, McMurdach and MacMurdo.
Famous people with the name MacMordoch
- Iain MacMordie: stage, television and film actor, born in 1977.
- David MacMordie: Canadian filmmaker and animator known for directing films such as 'Pirate Radio', 'Kart Drive', and 'Pig Trouble'.
- Duncan MacMordie: former commander-in-chief of the British North America Pacific Squadron, who played a major role in the “Canadian Mutiny” of 1885.
- Alison MacMordie: lawyer and environmentalist, who has served on the boards of numerous Canada-based sustainability organizations.
- David MacMordie: Motown-influenced singer-songwriter who started his music career in the 80s.
- John MacMordie: British-Canadian actor, best known for his roles in films such as 'Fractured Fairies' and 'Night Time'.
- Gary MacMordie: Canadian painter and sculptor, whose work has appeared in galleries around the world.
- Robert MacMordie: award-winning author and Screenwriters Guild of Canada member.
- Alison MacMordie: CBC journalist and anchor, who has received numerous awards for her work in broadcasting.
- Duncan MacMordie: competitive swimmer, who competed in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia.