Surname McCartney - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Unveiling the Celtic Roots of McCartney: An Enlightening Voyage with iGENEA DNA Test
Using an iGENEA DNA test, I embarked on a journey to uncover the mysteries of my surname, McCartney. Discovering a vibrant lineage of Irish origins, ancestral migration, and remarkable familial connections, this insightful journey provided a newfound appreciation for my family's history and its influence on who I am today.
C. McCartney
read moreMcCartney: What does the surname McCartney mean?
The surname McCartney is of Scottish and Irish origins. It is considered to be a patronymic surname, meaning it is derived from the name of a father or male ancestor. McCartney is thought to have originated from the personal name "Art" meaning "bear" in Celtic, combined with the patronymic prefix "Mac" or "Mc" meaning "son of". Hence, McCartney can be translated as "son of the bear" or "son of Art". The surname became prominent due to several notable individuals bearing it, the most famous of whom is Sir Paul McCartney, the renowned British singer and songwriter who was one of the members of the iconic music band, The Beatles. It is worth noting that spelling variations of surnames were common in historical times due to the lack of standardized spelling rules, so McCartney can also be found as Macartney, MacCartney, or other variations.
Order DNA origin analysisMcCartney: Where does the name McCartney come from?
The last name McCartney originates from Scotland and Ireland. It is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Mac Artáin," meaning "son of Artán." The name Artán itself derives from a diminutive form of the personal name Art meaning ‘bear’, ‘hero’. The surname has many spelling variations, including MacCartney, Macartney, and McCartney.
The McCartney surname is most common today in Northern Ireland, particularly in the county of Armagh. It's also fairly common in the United Kingdom and Scotland due to historical migration patterns. The name is also prevalent in the United States, Canada, and Australia due to the large amount of emigration from Ireland and the United Kingdom to these countries during the 19th and 20th centuries. The surname is particularly renowned worldwide due to the fame of Paul McCartney, a member of the Beatles.
Variations of the surname McCartney
The surname McCartney has its origin in the Scottish region of Galloway and is derived from two Gaelic words, "Mac Artain," meaning "son of Artan." Artan itself is a diminutive of the personal name "Art", meaning "stone" in ancient Celtic languages.
There are quite a few variants and spellings that have developed over the years. Some of these are: MacCartney, Macartney, MacArteney, Macartnie, and McCartyney. In some cases, the prefixes 'Mac' or 'Mc' can be used interchangeably. It's also possible to see O'Cartney or even Cartney as a simplification of the original name, particularly in Ireland. McCourtney is another variant which could have the same origin.
In terms of surnames of the same origin, Artan, Art, and Arten could also be possible given their roots in the same Gaelic elements. Given the common tradition of patronyms in Celtic cultures, any variation of "son of Art" or "son of Artan" could potentially relate back to the same origins as McCartney. The surname MacArthur originating from the same root, though it's less directly connected.
However, it's important to remember that surname origins and variants can be complex due to linguistic, regional, and personal variations over centuries.
Famous people with the name McCartney
- Paul McCartney: Paul is the most famous McCartney and a renowned musician, singer, songwriter, and composer. He is best known as a member of the Beatles. He has won 18 Grammy Awards and is one of the most successful songwriters in history.
- Linda McCartney: Linda McCartney was an American photographer, businesswoman, animal rights activist, and reality television personality, as well as the widow of Paul McCartney.
- Mary McCartney: Mary is a British photographer and daughter of Paul and Linda McCartney. She has since gone on to become a highly respected photographer, taking pictures of many celebrities and most recently teaming up with her famous father to shoot his album covers for ‘Egypt Station’ and ‘McCartney III’.
- Stella McCartney: Stella McCartney is a British fashion designer and daughter of Paul McCartney. She is known for her sustainable fashion brand which is a leader in the luxury sector, often using sustainable fabrics and ethical manufacturing processes.
- James McCartney: James McCartney is a British singer-songwriter and son of Paul and Linda McCartney. He has released several solo albums and collaborated with many other well-known musicians.
- Heather McCartney: Heather McCartney is the daughter of Linda and Paul McCartney, and is currently working as a sculptor and potter, implementing her lifelong interests into her work.
- Mike McCartney: Mike McCartney is a musician, photographer and youngest brother of Paul McCartney. He has released several solo albums and is best known as the lead singer of the group The Scaffold.