Surname MacTurcke - Meaning and Origin
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MacTurcke: What does the surname MacTurcke mean?
The surname MacTurcke is of Irish origin. It is derived from the old Gaelic name "Mac Tuirc," which translates as "son of the boar". The term "boar" likely refers to a nickname for someone who was believed to possess characteristics associated with a boar, possibly strength, courage or determination. This unisex name was used to distinguish between individuals with the same first name, becoming a family name passed on from generation to generation. Spelling variations include MacTork, MacTorky, MacTorkey, and others due to the translation from Gaelic to English, as well as regional dialects and possible transcription errors in ancient documents. It is worth mentioning that understanding the meaning of surnames profoundly, one ought to look at them in their historical and cultural context. As with many ancient surnames, any specific meaning based on the translation of the words may not entirely reflect the family's status or occupation, and can be more symbolic in nature. For individuals with this surname, further genealogy research could reveal more about their family history, region of origin, and potential historical significance.
Order DNA origin analysisMacTurcke: Where does the name MacTurcke come from?
The surname MacTurcke is most commonly found today in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It is believed to have originated in Scotland, particularly the Highlands, where the spelling was originally MacThurach, meaning "son of Toarchtach."
In Canada, the surname is most often found in Nova Scotia, where there are a number of families with the name. The MacTurke clan descended from the MacThurachs of the Clan MacPhearson and later spread out to other parts of the country.
In the United Kingdom, the MacTurcke name is spread across the nation, from England to Scotland. In England it is primarily found in the west of the country, particularly in areas such as West Midlands, Wiltshire, and Devon. The highest concentration of MacTurcke in England is found in the town of Stapleford in Nottinghamshire.
In the United States, the MacTurcke surname is most common in California, where it has been a strong presence in many cities and towns. There are several MacTurke families in the states of Colorado, Washington, Oregon, New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey as well.
Overall, the last name MacTurcke is still carried by many people in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. It most likely originated in Scotland and over the years spread out to new lands and countries as each new generation ventured out into the world in search of adventure and a better life.
Variations of the surname MacTurcke
The MacTurcke surname has varied spellings and variants, depending on the country or region of origin.
In Ireland, the spelling variant of MacTurcke is MacTurke and in Scotland, it is McTuerck. Other variations include MacTork, MacTorg, MacTurg, MacTurgar, MacTurk, MacTurkis, MacTurgon and MacTurkes.
In Wales, the spelling variant of MacTurcke is commonly rendered as MacTorkill. This name is also derived from the Celtic languages and can be either a spelling variant of the Scottish McTuerck, or the Irish MacTurke.
Although many predominant variations exist, the family is ultimately of the same origin. The surname MacTurcke is derived from the Gaelic fort, Torc. This larger Auspecoins family was originally located in the province of Ulster in Northern Ireland and surrounding areas.
The Anglicisation of the modern spelling of the surname, MacTurcke, is believed to have emerged in the 12th and 13th centuries with the colonization of Northern Ireland and Scotland.
The spelling variant of MacTurcke is also found in other parts of the British Isles including England and Isle of Man. Many of these variants are commonly misspelled or mispronounced, with added vowels or consonants. Common misspellings of the surname include MacTurck, MacTurgk, MacTurgue and MacTurg.
Famous people with the name MacTurcke
- Michael MacTurk: American actor, producer, and director
- Steven MacTurk: Scottish association footballer
- Ian MacTurk: British-American actor and voice actor
- Jeff MacTurk: Canadian ice hockey player
- Graham MacTurk: English footballer
- Aesop MacTurk: American professional wrestler and mixed martial artist
- Kirsty MacTurk: Scottish professional swimmer
- Mark MacTurk: Australian professional rugby league footballer
- Elizabeth MacTurk: American basketball coach
- Danny MacTurk: Scottish professional wrestler