McCarthy Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname McCarthy come from? What does the surname McCarthy mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name McCarthy and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname McCarthy Origin: What does the last name McCarthy mean?
The surname McCarthy originates from the Irish noble McCarthy Clan of Cork County, Ireland, with a meaning of "son of C√°rthach." It first appeared in records in Ireland in the early 13th century and has since spread globally. Variants like McCarty and MacCarthy are also common. Sixty percent of individuals with the surname in Ireland hail from Cork County, where the family was influential in the Middle Ages. Today, the surname McCarthy is most prevalent in the Americas, with over 57% of individuals bearing the name located there.
YourRoots data confirms the strong presence of the McCarthy surname in Ireland and its global spread over the centuries. The surname's early growth phase saw records appearing in various countries, marking the beginning of its worldwide distribution. By the 19th century, the frequency of McCarthy records in the United States surpassed those in Ireland, continuing into the 20th century and beyond. Today, the McCarthy surname can be found in many countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa, reflecting its enduring legacy and widespread presence.
McCarthy Last Name History: Where did the last name McCarthy come from?
Origin of McCarthy Surname: Where does the last name McCarthy originate from?
From the data available in the YourRoots database, the surname McCarthy first made its appearance in records from Ireland around the early 13th century. This information pertains solely to the YourRoots data for the exact spelling of “McCarthy,” and does not account for other data sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name McCarthy: What does the McCarthy surname history look like in the early days?
The “McCarthy” surname maintained a strong association with Ireland from the 13th through the 17th century, according to YourRoots data. The early growth phase also saw the McCarthy family records appearing in other countries, marking the beginning of the surname's global spread.
Global Spread: Where can we find the McCarthy surname today?
As per YourRoots data, there was a significant increase in the frequency of records with the McCarthy surname in the United States by the 19th century. This growth surpassed the frequency of records in Ireland, a trend that continued into the 20th century and beyond. Today, the “McCarthy” surname is not just confined to its Irish roots or the United States. It has a wide presence globally and can be found in many countries, including but not limited to the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Explore McCarthy last name heritage and McCarthy surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME MCCARTHY
Famous People With McCarthy Surame?
Melissa McCarthy
Melissa Ann McCarthy (born Aug 26, 1970) is an American actress, screenwriter, and producer. She gained fame for her role as Sookie St. James on the TV show "Gilmore Girls" and later starred in the sitcom "Mike & Molly." McCarthy's breakout movie role was in "Bridesmaids," leading to a string of successful comedies like "Spy" and "The Heat." She received critical acclaim for her dramatic turn in "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" and is set to play Ursula in "The Little Mermaid." Alongside her husband, McCarthy runs a production company and a clothing line for plus-sized women.
Jenny McCarthy
Jennifer Ann McCarthy-Wahlberg (born Nov 1, 1972) is an American actress, model, and television personality. She gained fame as a Playboy Playmate and went on to star in TV shows like "Singled Out" and "The View." McCarthy has also appeared in movies like "Scream 3" and "John Tucker Must Die." Apart from her entertainment career, she has written books on parenting and controversially promoted anti-vaccine views. McCarthy continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry and has served as a judge on "The Masked Singer."
Joseph McCarthy
Joseph Raymond McCarthy (November 14, 1908 – May 2, 1957) was an American politician who served as a Republican U.S. Senator from Wisconsin. He became infamous for his role in the anti-communist movement during the Cold War, making unsubstantiated accusations of communist infiltration in various sectors of American society. Despite his initial rise to fame, McCarthy was later censured by the Senate for his unethical behavior. His legacy is marked by the term "McCarthyism," which refers to the use of baseless accusations for political gain. McCarthy's controversial tactics have had a lasting impact on American politics and are still studied today.
Cormac McCarthy
Cormac McCarthy (Charles Joseph McCarthy Jr.; July 20, 1933 – June 13, 2023) was an acclaimed American author known for his novels spanning Western, post-apocalyptic, and Southern Gothic genres. His writing style, characterized by sparse punctuation, garnered him recognition as one of America's greatest novelists. McCarthy's works often feature graphic violence and have been adapted into successful films, notably "No Country for Old Men" and "The Road." He received numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. McCarthy's legacy in literature continues to inspire readers worldwide, solidifying his place in literary history.
Andrew McCarthy
Andrew Thomas McCarthy (born Nov 29, 1962) is an American actor, travel writer, and television director. He rose to fame as a member of the Brat Pack, starring in iconic 1980s films like St. Elmo's Fire, Pretty in Pink, and Weekend at Bernie's. McCarthy has also made a name for himself as a director, working on popular shows like Orange Is the New Black and Gossip Girl. In addition to his successful acting and directing career, McCarthy is an accomplished travel writer, with several published works and awards to his name. He continues to work in the entertainment industry while pursuing his passion for writing and travel.
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