Macdonald Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Macdonald come from? What does the surname Macdonald mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Macdonald and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Macdonald Origin: What does the last name Macdonald mean?
The MacDonald surname, originating from the Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic MacDhòmhnaill or Dòmhnallach, is a patronymic name meaning 'son of Dòmhnall'. The personal name Dòmhnall is composed of the elements domno 'world' and val 'might rule'. The surname is closely associated with Clan Donald in Scottish history and may also have connections to the British Celtic Dyfnwal. According to YourRoots data, the surname Macdonald first appeared in records from Scotland in the early 11th century, gradually spreading to Canada in the 18th century, and eventually becoming globally prevalent.
YourRoots data further confirms the widespread presence of the MacDonald surname across various countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, England, India, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Ireland, France, and Nigeria. This indicates the surname's extensive global reach and its enduring legacy in different regions and cultures. The MacDonald surname reflects a deep-rooted history and continues to be a prominent and widely recognized name in the modern era.
Macdonald Last Name History: Where did the last name Macdonald come from?
Origin of Macdonald Surname: Where does the last name Macdonald originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Macdonald made its earliest appearance in records from Scotland in the United Kingdom around the early 11th century. It's important to note that this data only reflects the records for the exact spelling "Macdonald", and doesn't account for other record sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Macdonald: What does the Macdonald surname history look like in the early days?
Based on YourRoots data, the "Macdonald" surname remained closely associated with Scotland from the 11th through the 17th century. During this period, a steady increase in the volume of records was observed. The data also shows the emergence of Macdonald surname records in Canada starting from the 18th century, indicating the beginning of its global spread.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Macdonald surname today?
By the 18th century, Canada started to see a significant increase in the volume of records with the Macdonald surname. This trend continued into the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the "Macdonald" surname is widely spread and can be found in records from numerous countries. Besides Scotland and Canada, the surname has also been found in England, signifying a further global reach. Despite the lower volumes in recent records, this does not necessarily imply a decline in the frequency of the Macdonald surname.
Explore Macdonald last name heritage and Macdonald surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME MACDONALD
Famous People With Macdonald Surame?
Norm Macdonald
Norman Gene Macdonald (October 17, 1959 – September 14, 2021) was a Canadian stand-up comedian, actor, and writer known for his deadpan delivery and quirky sense of humor. He gained fame as a cast member on Saturday Night Live and for his role in the sitcom "The Norm Show." Macdonald also lent his voice to popular animated shows like Family Guy and The Fairly OddParents. His unique comedic style and memorable appearances on late-night talk shows earned him the title of "the best" by David Letterman. Macdonald's talent and wit left a lasting impact on the comedy world before his untimely death from leukemia.
Kelly Macdonald
Kelly Macdonald (Feb 23, 1976 - ) is a Scottish actress known for her roles in various films and TV shows. She has received accolades including a BAFTA Award and a Primetime Emmy Award. Macdonald made her film debut in Danny Boyle's Trainspotting and has appeared in popular films like Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 and Disney Pixar's Brave. On television, she won an Emmy for her role in The Girl in the Café and appeared in series like Boardwalk Empire and Line of Duty. Macdonald's talent and versatility have made her a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
John A. Macdonald
John Alexander Macdonald (10 or 11 Jan 1815 – 6 Jun 1891) was the first prime minister of Canada, serving for a total of 19 years. He played a crucial role in Canadian Confederation, establishing the North-West Mounted Police, expanding the country's territory, and completing the railway. Macdonald faced scandals and controversies, including his approval of Métis leader Louis Riel's execution and federal policies towards Indigenous peoples. Despite criticisms, he is highly regarded for his contributions to Confederation and remains one of Canada's highest-rated prime ministers in history.
Ramsay MacDonald
James Ramsay MacDonald (October 12, 1866 – November 9, 1937) was a British statesman and politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He was a key figure in the founding of the Labour Party and led the country through challenging times, including the Great Depression. MacDonald's leadership and oratory skills made him an iconic figure in British politics, although his later decision to form a National Government led to his expulsion from the Labour Party. His contributions to the political landscape of the UK have been both celebrated and criticized, shaping the country's history during the early 20th century.
Jeffrey R. MacDonald
Jeffrey Robert MacDonald (October 12, 1943 - ) is an American former medical doctor and United States Army captain. He was convicted in 1979 of murdering his pregnant wife and two daughters, a case that remains one of the most litigated in American history. MacDonald has always proclaimed his innocence, claiming the murders were committed by intruders. Despite his claims, strong physical evidence points to his guilt. Currently incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution in Maryland, MacDonald's story continues to captivate audiences interested in true crime.
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