Surname McMath - Meaning and Origin

McMath: What does the surname McMath mean?

The surname McMath is of Scottish origin and is usually associated with the region of Argyll in the Western Highlands. The name is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Mhathain", which literally translates to "son of the good". Variations of the surname McMath include: MacMath, MacMaths, MacMathe, and MacMats. Like most Scottish surnames, it denotes familial relationship, specifically, it signals being a 'descendant of the good'. So, the McMath surname is an anglicized form of a Gaelic personal name that signifies virtues of goodness. Surnames like McMath became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation, necessitating clear identification of individuals. The lineage of the McMath family can be traced back to early Scottish history and they have played a significant role in shaping the cultural heritage of Scotland.

McMath: Where does the name McMath come from?

The surname McMath is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic Mac Mhathain, which means "son of Mathghamhain." The Mathghamhain reference translates to "bear." The McMath surname has origins in the region of Argyll and Bute in western Scotland. Early records show that this family held a seat in Knapdale, Scotland from the 12th century.

Today, the surname McMath is most common in the United States (particularly in the states of California, Arkansas, and Maryland), followed by England, Canada, and Australia. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that while the name is more commonly found in these countries, it is not a very common surname globally. The surname has less proliferation compared to other surnames of Scottish origin.

Variations of the surname McMath

The surname McMath is of Scottish origin and comes from the Gaelic Mac Mhathain, meaning "son of the good". It could also come from the Gaelic word "matha", meaning "bear". There are a variety of spelling variants that have evolved over the years. Variants and similar surnames include McMaths, McMahan, MacMath, MacMaths, McMatha, and MacMatha.

Other similar or derivative surnames include Math, Mathes, Mathieson, Metheson, and Mathison. These surnames have also been rendered in English as Mathews, Matthews or Matheson. In some cases, there could also potentially be a connection to the Irish McMahon, though this has a different Gaelic origin (Mac Mathuna), meaning "son of the bear".

Another variant of it can be through phonetic spelling such as McMadd. It's also common for the "Mc" prefix to be dropped entirely or replaced with "Mac", "M'", or even "Mick", which are all common forms of abbreviation for Gaelic surnames. However, it is difficult to definitively list all the possible variants, as spelling and surname adaptation can be highly influenced by regional dialects, literacy levels, and personal preference.

Famous people with the name McMath

• Pat McMath: Governor of Arkansas from 1948 to 1950.
• Bob McMath: Canadian politician, former Member of Provincial Parliament and Deputy Premier of Alberta.
• Kenneth McAtee McMath: President and CEO of the American Board of Anesthesiology.
• Ernest McMath: former professional Canadian football player.
• Robert McMath: American artist specializing in portraiture and landscape painting.
• Brian McMath: Professional golfer on the web.com tour.
• John McMath: American government official, attorney, and diplomat.
• Malcolm McMath: American jazz, classical, and rock trumpeter and composer.
• Paul McMath: Scottish-born Canadian-American biologist and zoologist.
• Scott McMath: former Rector of St John's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C.

Other surnames

McMathon