Surname MacRum - Meaning and Origin
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MacRum: What does the surname MacRum mean?
The surname MacRum is derived from the Gaelic Mac Cruimein, which in turn was derived from cruim, a Gaelic word for a ‘champion’, or ‘hero’. The name is believed to have been used by a warrior family in Scotland, and it likely dates back to the Picts, an ancient Scottish tribe.
The MacRum surname is primarily found in the western coast of Scotland, where the first use of the name is believed to have originated. It is an old name traditionally associated with chieftanship and authority, which makes it likely that the family were members of the hereditary nobility in their area. Families of this name were influential in the histories of both North Uist and Raasay, both counties in the Hebrides off Scotland’s northwest coast.
In more recent history, the MacRum surname is often associated with the Scottish Diaspora which began with the 19th century Highland Clearances, when thousands of people were forced to leave their homes in Scotland due to poverty or eviction by landlords. Families of this name have gone on to make significant contributions to their new communities in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, where they often adopted an “anglicized” version of their original surname by changing the spelling.
The MacRum surname is a reminder of the proud warrior family that contributed so much to Scotland’s history. It is also a symbol of the Australian, New Zealand, and North American families which were the product of Scotland’s 19th-century diaspora, and who have so often flourished and made positive contributions in their new homelands.
Order DNA origin analysisMacRum: Where does the name MacRum come from?
The last name MacRum is most commonly found in Scotland. It is one of the most common surnames in the West Highlands and Islands of Scotland, particularly the islands of Skye, Lewis, Harris, and Uist, where it is more often spelled MacRury, MacRuairi, or MacGregor in different Gaelic forms.
Historically, the MacRums were a Highland-Clan of the same name, noted for being a branch of the MacGregor Clan and a sept of the MacKenzie Clan. The Clan was centred around the Lochaber region, but they were scattered throughout the Highlands and Islands when the Clan was outlawed in Scotland in 1603.
Today, the surname is most commonly found in Scotland and the USA, where the MacRums have been settled since the 1700s. It is still one of the most dominant and widespread surnames in Scotland, and is particularly common in Morayshire, Fife, Caithness, Sutherland, and the Isle of Skye. In the USA, the MacRum surname is most commonly found in the states of New York, New Jersey, Florida, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, California, Virginia, North Carolina, Illinois, Georgia, and Washington.
Variations of the surname MacRum
The surname MacRum is derived from the Celtic-Gaelic Mac Rothain and can also be spelled MacRothain, MacRothaine, MacRaphaine, MacRheamhain, MacRheying or MacChruthain. It is a patronymic surname originating in Ireland, where the name has been found since the 16th century. MacRum is also a variant of MacThomas, which was adopted by families of the same origin.
In Ireland, the name was mainly found in the province of Ulster, particularly in County Fermanagh, with smaller clusters of bearers being found in Galway, Mayo, and Dublin. The name is also found in Scotland, where bearers may descend from migrants from Ireland in the 17th century.
Along with other Gaelic-Irish surnames, the MacRum name has also been anglicized to its current form, with variations such as McCrum, McCoom, Mulrum, McCroon, Croon, and Cruim.
In Scotland, the variant MacRum is found mainly in the historic county of Ross and Cromarty. MacRums are also found in the Americas, where the name was adopted by migrants from Ireland, Scotland, and England in the 19th century. It is also found in other parts of the world, including in Australia, Canada, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
Famous people with the name MacRum
- Bob MacRum: Canadian businessman and entrepreneur, founder of MacRum Office Solutions.
- Rory MacRum: Scottish singer/songwriter signed to Universal Music UK and the frontman of the band The MacRums.
- Carrie MacRum: American author, illustrator, and journalist best known for her 2007 graphic novel, "Airs MacRum".
- Gareth MacRum: New Zealand actor, best known for his roles on the TV series "Ice", "Lola's Luck" and the film "Prophecies of the Dragon".
- Lawrence MacRum: British Financial Advisor who was the British Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1983-1987.
- Douglas MacRum: Scottish runway coach, trainer of the British Athletics team from 2000-2005 and creator of the MacRum System: an acceleration and speed development program for young athletes.
- Val MacRum: Canadian wildlife photographer, her work has been featured in publications including National Geographic and The Globe and Mail.
- Alfie MacRum: British educationalist and author of several books on education theory and practice.
- Kenneth MacRum: American lawyer and businessman, CEO and founder of MacRum & MacRum law offices in New York City.
- Eliza MacRum: Australian businesswoman, founded MacRum Motors in 1995 and is now the CEO of the company.