Surname McCrackin - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
McCrackin: What does the surname McCrackin mean?
The surname McCrackin is of Scottish origin, derived from an old Gaelic personal name. It is a variant of the surname MacRory, from the Gaelic "Mac Ruaidhrí", meaning "son of Ruaidhrí" or "son of Rory", with "Ruaidhrí" or "Rory" meaning "red king". So in essence, McCrackin can be interpreted as "son of the red king". This surname was common in the Hebrides (Western Isles of Scotland) and its variant forms include MacCracken, MacCrackin, MacCrakin, and many others. The usage of "Mc" or "Mac" at the beginning of a name indicates a patronymic lineage, denoting "son of". It is important to note that the accuracy of the interpretation can be influenced by regional usage and the historical context in which the name was given.
Order DNA origin analysisMcCrackin: Where does the name McCrackin come from?
The surname McCrackin is of Scottish origin, specifically from the Gaelic personal name Mac Reachtain, which translates to son of Reachtan. This name is most commonly found in the region of Argyllshire in Scotland, where the McCrackins were a significant clan. The first recorded spelling of the family name dates back to the 14th century. It has many variant spellings including McRackan, McRaughton, MacRaughton, and McCreight.
Today, the surname McCrackin is found in various regions across the globe due to centuries of emigration, particularly during periods such as the Highland Clearances in the 19th century, when many Scots migrated to North America, Australia, and other parts of the world. The largest populations of McCrackin today are found in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Though it is not an exceedingly common last name, the global diaspora of McCrackin families means you might encounter it in many different locations.
Variations of the surname McCrackin
The surname McCrackin appears to originate from the Scottish-Gaelic surname Mac Reachtain, which means "son of Reachtan". It is believed that the name Reachtan is derived from the Gaelic word "racht", meaning "swift or quick". Given that surnames historically underwent many spelling changes as they were adopted and adapted over time, this surname has many variants and alternates. Additionally, cultural and geographical shifts often influenced surname changes.
Common variants and alternates to McCrackin include McCraken, McCracken, MacCracken, and M'Cracken. The name could also be further Anglicized or Americanized, resulting in variations such as Crackin, Krakken, or even McCrack. Spellings might also have specifically regional variants, like the Irish variant Mac Reachtain or Scottish variant MacNeachtain.
Other related surnames might be Crane, Crenshaw, or MacGregor, since the Gaelic element 'racht' also appears in these names. However, please note that the relation between these and the surname McCrackin is not as direct.
It's interesting to note that surnames often provide a looking glass into a family’s geographic, professional, and personal history, creating a rich tapestry of stories depicted through these variations.
Famous people with the name McCrackin
- Drew McCrackin: Lead guitarist of the pop punk band The Story So Far.
- Elliott McCrackin: Actor known for his roles on the television series The O.C., Private Practice, and Boston Legal.
- Hilary McCrackin: American actress, stunt performer, and nurse.
- Paul McCrackin: Retired ice hockey goaltender from Canada; played two games in the National Hockey League (NHL).
- Jim McCracken: Former NBA player who is best known for his time with the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1970s.
- Gary McCracken: American film editor whose credits include Unbroken, Transformers: The Last Knight, and Life of Pi.
- Jesse McCracken: Singer, songwriter, and producer from the United States who is currently signed to Interscope Records.
- Leon McCracken: Retired NFL defensive tackle who played six seasons in the league; most notably with the New England Patriots.
- Kyle McCracken: British-born contemporary artist whose work is regularly featured in museums and exhibitions around the world.
- Don McCracken: Olympic athlete who competed in the 1956 Summer Games in Melbourne, Australia as a member of the United States track and field team.