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      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Macdonald

      Origin

      Scottish

      Meaning

      Son of Donald

      Variations

      McDonald, Maldonado, Maconaquea
      The name MacDonald, tracing its origins to Scotland, is derived from the Gaelic language and signifies Son of Donald. In Scottish history, the MacDonald clan played a prominent role and held considerable power and influence. The clan's roots can be traced back to the 12th century, with Somerled, a warlord of Norse-Gaelic descent, considered the progenitor of the MacDonald clan. Over the centuries, the MacDonalds expanded their territories, primarily in the western Highlands and Isles of Scotland, and became known as the Lords of the Isles.

      Throughout history, the MacDonalds were involved in various significant events, including conflicts with neighboring clans and even with the Scottish monarchy. The MacDonalds displayed a fierce sense of independence, which ultimately led to their decline. Following the failed Jacobite uprisings in the 18th century, their lands were confiscated, leading to the dispersal of many members of the clan. Despite this, the MacDonald name continued to prevail, and today it remains one of the most recognizable Scottish names.

      In modern-day usage, the name MacDonald can be found across the globe due to migration and diaspora. It has become a common name in countries such as Canada, the United States, and Australia, where Scottish immigrants settled. Additionally, MacDonald is often used as a name by individuals of Scottish heritage who wish to maintain a connection to their ancestral roots. The name MacDonald carries a sense of pride and heritage, symbolizing a resilient and enduring Scottish legacy that has transcended both time and geographical boundaries.

      Based on our records...

      Smith

      Smith

      This is the most common surname associated with Macdonald.
      Mary

      Mary

      This is the most common name of those married to a Macdonald.
      Mary

      Mary

      This is the most common name for a child of a Macdonald.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

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      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1874 is when there were the most people born with the first name Macdonald.

      Explore the origins of another name.