Surname McCurtain - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
McCurtain: What does the surname McCurtain mean?
The surname McCurtain is of Irish origin and is an anglicized form of the Gaelic "Mac Cuirtín," which is patronymic (the surname is derived from the father's name) from the nickname "cuirtín" meaning "small court or small hump.” It is believed to have originated from County Clare in Ireland. Notably, it was held by a prominent family who were poets and stewards to the O'Briens, the Kings of Thomond. The name McCurtain might also point towards a judicial or legal family history, as it could be derived from the Irish term for "one who frequents courts" or "man of the court." The foremost bearers of the name in the public sphere were the Irish revolutionaries, the McCurtain brothers. However, as is common with names, its interpretation could vary, and the meaning might differ for different families with the name McCurtain.
Order DNA origin analysisMcCurtain: Where does the name McCurtain come from?
The surname McCurtain is of Irish origin, stemming from the Gaelic Mac Curtain, which means "son of the hunchback". Traditionally, Irish families would use the 'Mac' or 'O'' prefixes to indicate 'son of' or 'descendant of', followed by a personal name or nickname. The surname has its roots in the Munster region of southwestern Ireland, particularly in the county of Cork.
It is important to note a historical figure, Tadhg an Fhorsa MacCarthaigh, more commonly known as Sir Donough MacCarty, 1st Earl of Clancarty, who was also called 'MacCurtain'. He was a noted Irish nobleman and rebel of the 17th century.
Today, the last name McCurtain isn't very common, but it can still be found in places with significant populations of Irish descendants. This includes the United States, especially in states like New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, and in parts of the United Kingdom. However, the surname is most commonly found in its country of origin, Ireland, primarily in the regions of Munster and Cork.
Variations of the surname McCurtain
The surname McCurtain is derived from the Irish name Mac Curtain, where "Mac" means son of, and "Curtain" is possibly a variant of the surname "Curtin". There could be several different variations, spellings, or derivatives of this surname based on regional dialects, pronunciation, or transliteration. Some of these variants could include: McCurtin, McCurten, McCarthain, McArtain, McCurtayne, McKurtain, McKurtin, McArtan, McArtin, McCartin, McQuirtin, or even Curtin without the "Mc" prefix.
In some cases, McCurtain might have been anglicized differently, resulting in completely different surnames but of the same origin. Moreover, other variations of the name could exist within different Irish clans or families.
However, it is essential to know that the surname origin or its variant can only be accurately known through detailed genealogical research or DNA analysis since Irish surnames have been subjected to numerous changes in their transliteration and pronunciation.
Famous people with the name McCurtain
- Green McCurtain: He was a prominent leader of the Choctaw Nation who served non-consecutively as its Principal Chief. He was a key figure in the transition of tribe's governance when Oklahoma gained statehood.
- D.C. McCurtain: Another influential figure in Choctaw leadership, D.C. is known for his contribution to the tribe during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Jackson McCurtain: He also led the Choctaw Nation as a Principal Chief during a turbulent period when divisions within the tribe were rampant.
- Calvin McCurtain: He was a notable member of the Idaho Senate, representing the Republican party in the 35th district starting from 1996.
- Edmund McCurtain: A legislator in the Choctaw nation, Edmund McCurtain was known for his work on laws affecting tribal lands. Please note that the McCurtain family name has significant historical importance, especially to the Choctaw Nation. As such, many individuals carrying the surname may not be 'famous' in the conventional sense but have played crucial roles in the tribe's heritage and legacy.