Surname MacPhail - Meaning and Origin
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MacPhail: What does the surname MacPhail mean?
The surname MacPhail is of Gaelic origin, and is derived from the Scottish-Gaelic ‘Mac Fhail’. It translates roughly to ‘son of the wolf’, and was originally given to a person of fierce and brave character. The name was particularly popular in the highlands of Scotland, and was often used to describe a person of noble lineage or a person of great nobility.
The surname MacPhail is one of the oldest recorded Scottish surnames, indicating that the family have a long history in Scotland. Records indicate that the first appearance of the surname was in 1263, where a man named MacPhail was mentioned in a contemporary chronicle. By the 16th century, the name had spread across Scotland and had become very popular.
The surname MacPhail is also found in Ireland, where it often appears as MacPhile. It is believed that this is the result of Irish immigrants who adopted the Scots spelling of the surname during their migration to the United States. The popularity of the MacPhail name in the United States continued to grow during the 19th and 20th centuries, as more Irish immigrants left their home country to seek a better life.
Today, the surname MacPhail is still fairly popular. It is often found in Scotland, Ireland, and the United States, as well as countries in Australasia, Britain, and around the world. The surname carries with it a sense of nobility, strength, and tradition, making it a popular choice among those looking to trace their genealogy and connect with their heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisMacPhail: Where does the name MacPhail come from?
The last name "MacPhail" is most commonly found today in Scotland and Ireland. It is a traditional Gaelic surnames derived from the medieval nickname Mac a’ Pheill, which translates to Son of the Servant of the Apostle. This nickname originates from St. Paul, who was a prominent figure in the early Christian Church.
MacPhail is most commonly found in Glengarry County, Ontario, and in the Maritime Provinces. In fact, the surname is one of the top ten most common surnames in Prince Edward Island.
In Scotland, MacPhail is more commonly found in the north and western Highlands, especially where MacPhee and MacFie are also common. In Ireland, MacPhail is most common in regions such as Ulster that were historically occupied by the Scottish MacPhees and other Scots-Irish settlers.
The MacPhail surname is also found in America, especially in certain regions with Scottish and Irish heritage, such as the Appalachian Mountains. The MacPhail surname is also tracked by certain organizations, such as the Clan MacPhee Global Association, which seeks to encourage members of the MacPhail family to celebrate and preserve their heritage.
Variations of the surname MacPhail
MacPhail is a surname of Scottish origin. This surname is derived from the Gaelic Mac an Phail, which means “son of the supporter”. This surname has many variants and spellings in different parts of the world. Below is a list of the various spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname MacPhail:
1. MacPhail
2. MacPhale
3. MacFail
4. MacPail
5. MacPale
6. MacPaille
7. MacFale
8. MacFaill
9. MacFall
10. McFail
11. MacFayle
12. MacFayl
13. MacPaile
14. MacPhee
15. MacFie
16. MacPheely
17. MacPheil
18. MacPeel
19. MacPhelan
20. MacPhil
The surname MacPhail is commonly found in Scotland and many Scottish families have the surname MacPhail. The surname can also be found in other countries such as Ireland, England, Canada and the United States. The various spellings and surnames of the same origin can be traced throughout the world, though Scotland is the stronghold for the surname. The spelling variations that have emerged from MacPhail are indicative of the migration of clans from Scotland to other parts of the world.
With the global spread of family names, the variants of MacPhail may become even more widespread. Therefore, it is important to know the various spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname MacPhail in order to trace ancestor’s roots.
Famous people with the name MacPhail
- London MacPhail: Producer
- Gary MacPhail: Musician
- Andy MacPhail: Baseball executive
- Lee MacPhail: Baseball executive
- Larry MacPhail: Baseball executive
- Archibald MacPhail: Politician
- Mary MacPhail: Greyhound racing enthusiast
- Mandy MacPhail: Actress
- Mark MacPhail: Police officer
- Doug MacPhail: Actor