Surname MacThomaidh - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacThomaidh: What does the surname MacThomaidh mean?
The last name MacThomaidh is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic language. It is typically anglicized as MacTavish. The name is composed of two parts: "Mac," meaning son, and "Thomaidh," a Gaelic form of the name Thomas. Therefore, MacThomaidh roughly translates to "son of Thomas." Like many Gaelic surnames, this was used to signify a familial relationship, so a person bearing this name would essentially be recognized as Thomas' offspring or descendant. It's important to note that these surnames often pointed not just to literal parent-child relationships, but could signify a broader bloodline or clan affiliation. So, the last name MacThomaidh conveys a strong connection to familial lineage and Scottish heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisMacThomaidh: Where does the name MacThomaidh come from?
The last name MacThomaidh is a variation of the more widespread Scottish and Irish MacThom(e)y surname. It is most commonly found in Scotland and Ireland today, although there are some American and Canadian families who can trace their genealogy to MacThomaidh.
In Scotland, the surname is most prevalent in the County Fermanagh and Londonderry areas, on the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The name is shared among a number of Highland clans, including Clan MacFarlane and Clan MacKay.
In Ireland, MacThomaidh is more concentrated along the coast of County Cork, and in the counties of Clare and Galway. The name is common in Connacht, the traditional Irish region that includes much of western Ireland. Several Gaelic organizations in Connacht regularly mention the MacThomaidh surname, and several 300-year-old Irish songs refer to the MacThomaidh family.
More recently, the surname can be found spread throughout the United States and Canada. Experienced genealogists can trace its presence to the early 18th century, when families bearing the name emigrated from Scotland, Ireland, and Wales in search of a better life abroad. Many citizens of the two countries can trace their ancestry back to the MacThomaidh family, and today the name is widely recognized in Canadian and American communities.
Variations of the surname MacThomaidh
MacThomaidh is a Gaelic surname derived from the Irish and Scottish name ‘MacTomaidh’ which means ‘son of the great chief’. It is a variation of the popular MacTavish, and can appear as MacTavish, MacThomaidh, MacThomys, MacThomes, Thomaidh, Thomys, Thomes and MacThomais.
The MacThomaidh spelling is more widespread in Scotland, while in Ireland, Thomaidh is the most common spelling, and more recently, Thomys has become popular. In addition, MacTavish is the most widespread spelling in Australia, although all of the above variations can also be found.
The various spellings of MacThomaidh are derived from the original Gaelic name MacTomaidh, which was anglicised during the 19th century when English names were encouraged in Scotland and Ireland.
The name MacThomaidh is popular among Scottish and Irish families. It is derived from the Scottish Gaelic ‘Mactomaich’ meaning “son of the great chief” which was anglicised to MacThomaidh over the years. The variations of the surname also includes, MacThomes, Mulliksin, Thomys, MacThomys and Thomaidh. The most common spelling in Ireland is Thomaidh, followed by Thomys, and MacThomys. Though variants of the name can still be found in Scotland, the most common spelling is MacThomaidh.
The surname MacThomaidh is also common among North American families, particularly those of Scottish and Irish descent. MacThomaidh is also used as a middle name by some families to commemorate the family’s Scottish and Irish heritage. The variations of the name, including MacTavish, Thomaidh, MacThomys and MacThomes, are used more often in North America.
Famous people with the name MacThomaidh
- William MacThomaidh: William MacThomaidh is a former professional Gaelic Footballer from Ireland, having twice been an All-Star nominee during his inter-county career with Donegal.
- Fearghal MacThomaidh: Fearghal MacThomaidh is a novelist from Ireland with a body of work that includes the highly acclaimed novel "The Crossing".
- Caelan MacThomaidh: Caelan MacThomaidh is an Irish actor with credits on stage, television, and feature films such as "A Day for Daniel", "A Tale of Two Sisters", and "The Flight Before Christmas".
- Brian MacThomaidh: Brian MacThomaidh is a professional chef from Donegal, Ireland, and the owner of the award-winning "Mama Mac's" restaurant.
- Sarah MacThomaidh: Sarah MacThomaidh is a photographer and mixed-media artist from Donegal, Ireland, whose work has been shown in galleries in Galway, Limerick, Cork, and Dublin.
- Fearghas MacThomaidh: Fearghas MacThomaidh is a professional musician from Donegal, Ireland, and the lead singer of the rocking indie-folk band "Fearghas and the Oceans".
- Fionn MacThomaidh: Fionn MacThomaidh is an award-winning Gaelic Footballer from Donegal, Ireland. He was the first ever player from outside the traditional Gaelic Football strongholds of Dublin and Kerry to win the prestigious Player of the Year award.