McArthur Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname McArthur come from? What does the surname McArthur mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name McArthur and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname McArthur Origin: What does the last name McArthur mean?
The surname McArthur originates from the Celtic personal name Arthur, meaning 'son of Arthur', denoting a noble one. This surname has a long history dating back to the early 16th century in Scotland, according to YourRoots data. Over the centuries, the McArthur surname has remained closely associated with Scotland but has also spread globally, with significant records found in countries like the United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand.
YourRoots data confirms the global spread of the McArthur surname, with a notable presence in the United States by the 20th century. The surname has maintained its prominence in Scotland and is found in various countries worldwide, indicating a widespread and enduring legacy that continues to thrive across different regions and cultures.
McArthur Last Name History: Where did the last name McArthur come from?
Origin of Mcarthur Surname: Where does the last name Mcarthur originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Mcarthur first appeared in records from Scotland (United Kingdom) around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Mcarthur spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Mcarthur: What does the Mcarthur surname history look like in the early days?
The Mcarthur surname remained closely associated with Scotland (United Kingdom) from the 16th to the 19th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Mcarthur family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Mcarthur surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Mcarthur surname grew significantly in the United States. The Mcarthur surname remains prominent in Scotland (United Kingdom) and also appears in many countries, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand.
Explore McArthur last name heritage and McArthur surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With McArthur Surame?
James McArthur
James McFarlane McArthur (born Oct 7, 1987) is a Scottish former professional footballer known for his time playing as a central midfielder. He started his career at Hamilton Academical, winning the Scottish First Division title in 2007–08. McArthur later played for Wigan Athletic, helping them win the FA Cup in 2013, and then moved to Crystal Palace in 2014. He also made 32 international appearances for the Scotland national team. McArthur retired from professional football in Aug 2023, leaving a legacy as a talented midfielder with a successful career in both club and international football.
William S. McArthur
William Surles McArthur Jr. (July 26, 1951 - ) is a retired U.S. Army colonel, NASA astronaut, and veteran of three Space Shuttle missions and one expedition to the International Space Station. Born in North Carolina, McArthur earned a Bachelor of Science degree from West Point and a Master's in Aerospace Engineering. He received numerous awards, including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. McArthur was on Expedition 12 to the ISS and later served as Director of Safety and Mission Assurance at NASA. In his personal life, he enjoys cycling, photography, and working with computers.
Duncan McArthur
Duncan McArthur (Jan 14, 1772 – April 29, 1839) was a military officer and politician from Ohio who served as the 11th governor of the state. Born to Scottish immigrants, he gained wealth through land speculations in the Northwest Territory. McArthur played a significant role in the War of 1812, using deception in the First American Invasion of Canada and leading a deep penetration raid into Thames. His engagement at the bridge near Fort Malden showcased his military prowess. Known for his strategic maneuvers and leadership, McArthur left a lasting impact on Ohio's history.
Stewart McArthur
Fergus Stewart McArthur (October 27, 1937) is a former Australian politician known for his service as a Liberal Party member of the Australian House of Representatives. Representing the Division of Corangamite, Victoria from 1984 to 2007, he was a strong advocate for various causes, including the redevelopment of the Kardinia Park stadium. McArthur, who holds a master's degree from Cambridge University, also had a successful career as a farmer and company director. Family-oriented, he is married to Bev McArthur and has three children, including twin sons Andrew and James. Despite his defeat in the 2007 election, McArthur's contributions to Australian politics remain noteworthy.
Ken McArthur
Kennedy Kane McArthur (10 Feb 1881 – 13 Jun 1960) was an Irish-born South African track and field athlete known for winning the marathon at the 1912 Summer Olympics. He began his athletic career in South Africa, where he won numerous championships before triumphing in the Olympic marathon. McArthur never lost a marathon race in his career, showcasing his exceptional talent and determination. His victory in the sweltering heat of the 1912 Olympics solidified his place in sports history. Even though his career was cut short due to injury, McArthur's legacy as a marathon champion lives on.
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