Surname MacTomulty - Meaning and Origin
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MacTomulty: What does the surname MacTomulty mean?
The last name MacTomulty is believed to be of Scottish origin and is thought to have derived from the Gaelic term Mac Tumhaill, which is composed of the elements Mac, meaning "son of" and Tumhaill, meaning "well-mighty". The name therefore indicates a direct descendent of one who was known as "the well-mighty".
Historically, MacTomulty clans were powerful landowners in the Scottish Highlands. As the same surname name appears throughout Ireland, it is likely to have spread from there to Scotland at some point. In both Scotland and Ireland, the MacTomulty family name is found among nobility.
Today, those with the MacTomulty name can be found in English-speaking countries around the world, such as North America, Australia and the United Kingdom. In the United States, the MacTomulty name has been traced back to the 1630s in the Puritan settlements of Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Throughout history, the MacTomulty family name has been associated with a sense of pride and strength. Those with the name are strong-willed individuals, known for being passionate, independent and determined. These qualities are still prominent in the modern day, particularly in the business world. Those with the surname often pursue careers as entrepreneurs or lawyers, while others may follow more creative pursuits in the arts.
Order DNA origin analysisMacTomulty: Where does the name MacTomulty come from?
The last name MacTomulty is most commonly found today in Ireland. It is particularly prevalent in County Cork and County Kerry. Though there are pockets of MacTomulty families throughout the world, most are clustered in Ireland.
There are a number of theories as to the origin of the MacTomulty name. It is thought that the name is either of Viking or Gaelic origin, both of which were common in Ireland centuries ago. The Viking surname 'Tormod' evolved to our present surname - MacTomulty. Some believe the surname to have Gaelic origins, derived from the Gaelic words 'tosach mór' meaning 'big end'.
Today, there is a vibrant MacTomulty community in Ireland. Many of its members belong to Gaeilge (Irish) organizations that promote the term MacTomulty, provide information on the family genealogy and offer websites with forums for discussing history and stories of ancestors.
There are hundreds of MacTomulty descendants in Ireland today. No matter their history, today's MacTomultys are a proud, close-knit group who proudly pass on their Irish heritage from generation to generation.
Variations of the surname MacTomulty
The surname MacTomulty is a Scottish surname with Irish roots. It is the anglicised form of the Irish language name MacTiomthaigh, which is derived from the ancient Irish name Tadhg (a modern form of the name Tighearnach). Variants of this name include MacTomalty, MacTomlty, MacTomulfe, MacTomolo, MacTamulty, MacTomole, MacTumulty, MacTomilte, and MacTomoollty.
The anglicised form MacTomulty is most common in Scotland and Ireland. In Scotland, the MacTomulty clan was based in the Argyll region and the islands of Mull and Iona. Records indicate that the MacTomultys were one of the oldest tribes in Scotland, with the name mentioned in records dating back to the 11th century.
In Ireland, the MacTomultys were mainly located in County Donegal. Here they were known as the MacTirenaighs and were descended from Tighearnach, who was a member of the Cenel Conaill, a leading Gaelic dynasty. The descendants of Tighearnach eventually became the sept (clan group) of the MacTiomthaighs, meaning sons of Tighearnach.
The name MacTomulty is also found in the westernmost parts of Ulster and County Antrim in Northern Ireland. In many cases, these families are descended from Scottish families who migrated to the region during the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century.
The names Tomulty and Tumulty are most common in the United States. In America, these names are usually derived from the Irish form of the surname MacTiomthaigh.
The alternate spellings of MacTomulty include Mac !Tomalty, MacTomolfe, MacTomolo, MacTamulty, MacTomole, MacTumulty, MacTomilte, and MacTomoollty. These variants have spread to locations all around the world, and the various spellings make it possible to trace the ancestral roots of those who bear the name.
Famous people with the name MacTomulty
- Elizabeth MacTomulty: Actress, best known for her roles in ‘Mad Men’ and ‘Will & Grace’.
- Tamsin MacTomulty: Musician, singer/songwriter.
- David MacTomulty: Comedian, actor, and host of MTV’s ‘Wild ‘n Out’.
- Gregory MacTomulty: NFL quarterback, formerly of the Miami Dolphins.
- Bree MacTomulty: Actor, best known for her role in ‘The Walking Dead’.
- Thomas MacTomulty: Coach, winner of six NFL championships.
- Bronwyn MacTomulty: Olympic swimmer, two-time gold medalist.
- Jessica MacTomulty: Tennis player, Former World No.1.
- Patrick MacTomulty: NBA power forward, two-time All-Star.
- Penelope MacTomulty: Author, best known for her children’s book series.