Surname McCarmack - Meaning and Origin
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McCarmack: What does the surname McCarmack mean?
The last name McCarmack is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Cormaic" which translates to "son of Cormac". The name Cormac itself is botanically associated with the meaning "charioteer" or "raven" in Irish. The "Mac" or "Mc" prefix in Irish surnames typically denotes "son of", suggesting patriarchal lineage. Therefore, individuals with the surname McCarmack can be considered descendants of a person named Cormac. The name McCarmack is commonly found in the regions of Ulster and Munster in Ireland. However, due to significant Irish diaspora, the surname can also be found in various parts of the world, including the United States and the United Kingdom. Like other surnames, variations of spellings can occur, including McCormack, MacCormack, and McCormick.
Order DNA origin analysisMcCarmack: Where does the name McCarmack come from?
The surname McCarmack is of Irish origin and is an anglicized form of the Old Gaelic patronymic Mac Cormaic, which means "son of Cormac." The personal name Cormac is derived from "corb" and "mac," meaning "charioteer" and "son," respectively. Therefore, McCarmack essentially implies "son of the charioteer."
The surname was historically associated with the province of Connacht, particularly in County Galway and County Roscommon, in the west of Ireland. In terms of numerical strength, the surname and its variants have always been very widespread in Ireland, especially in Munster and South Leinster.
In the present day, the surname is found not only in Ireland but also in many other parts of the world where the Irish diaspora have settled, including the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Australia. The surname is also sometimes spelled as McCormack, McCormick, or MacCormack, and all these variants are common today.
Variations of the surname McCarmack
The surname McCarmack traces its origins from the Gaelic Mac Cormaic, which means "son of Cormac." Over the years, this surname has been subject to various spellings, linked to regional accents and phonetic spelling, which led to the creation of numerous variants.
Common variations and alternative spellings include but are not limited to: McCormack, Carmack, Cormack, McCormick, MacCormack, MacCormick, McCormach, McCormich, MacCormac, McCarmick, and McCarmac.
The McCormack spelling dominates in Ireland, while the McCormick variant is more common in Scotland. The prefix 'Mac' or ‘Mc’ often denotes 'son of,' and has various spellings including ‘M’’, ‘Mc’, and ‘Mac.’ The same name can even appear in records with the ‘Mac’ prefix and also as ‘Cormac’.
In America, the McCarmack spelling is found, though Carmack can also be seen, since omitting the 'Mac' or 'Mc' prefix was a common simplification.
Surname variations play a big role in genealogical research. It's crucial to consider all possible spellings when pursuing historical records. It's also important to remember variations may still crop up today due to mistakes or personal choice.
Famous people with the name McCarmack
- Eric McCormack: An Emmy-winning Canadian-American actor known for his role as Will Truman on the sitcom "Will & Grace".
- Mary McCormack: An American actress known for her roles in the series "The West Wing" and "Murder One".
- John P. McCormack: An American politician who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts and as the 45th Speaker of the House.
- Tom McCormack: An Australian rules footballer who played for the Essendon Football Club.
- Sean McCormack: A former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs.
- Neal H. McCormick: An American jurist and politician who served as a United States Senator from Illinois.
- Fergal McCormack: An Irish hurler who played as a goalkeeper for the Tipperary senior team.
- Andrew McCormack: A British jazz pianist and composer.
- Mick McCormack: An Australian chief executive, recognized for his role as CEO of gas pipeline company APA Group.
- Siobhan McCormack: An Irish actress, best known for her roles in Irish and UK TV series.