Delve into the shared Gaelic heritage of Ireland and Scotland with 66 surnames that have survived thousands of years. These names reveal the intertwined histories of two Celtic nations, showcasing a blend of ancient traditions, warrior legacies, and cultural connections.
66 Scottish Irish Surnames
Bruce (de Brus) – Of Norman origin, adopted into Scottish and Irish lineages through migration and settlement.
Cameron (Camshron) – Meaning “crooked nose,” a prominent Scottish clan with connections in Irish migrations.
Campbell (Caimbeul) – Derived from Gaelic “crooked mouth,” referring to a prominent clan in Scotland with Irish connections.
Forbes (Mac Forba) – Meaning “field or district,” a Scottish name that migrated into Ulster.
Graham (Greumach) – Of Anglo-Norman origin, widely adopted by Ulster Scots in Ireland.
Hamilton (Hamaltan) – Of Scottish Lowland origin, later associated with Ulster Scots and Irish settlers.
MacAdam (Mac Adaim) – Meaning “son of Adam,” a Biblical name adopted by Gaelic clans in both Ireland and Scotland.
MacAlister (Mac Alasdair) – Another variant of “son of Alexander,” prevalent in both Scottish and Irish migrations.
MacAlpin (Mac Ailpín) – Meaning “son of Ailpín,” tied to early Scottish kings with Irish Gaelic ancestry.
MacArthur (Mac Artair) – Meaning “son of Arthur,” linked to the legendary King Arthur, with ties in both Gaelic regions.
MacAulay (Mac Amhlaoibh) – Meaning “son of Olaf,” a name with Norse origins adopted by Scots and Irish Gaels.
MacBeath (Mac Beatha) – Meaning “son of life,” often associated with healers or doctors, found in both cultures.
MacBride (Mac Bríd) – A variant of “son of Bríd,” with shared religious significance in Ireland and Scotland.
MacBryde (Mac Bríde) – Derived from “son of Bríd,” referring to followers of St. Brigid, significant in both traditions.
MacCallum (Mac Caluim) – Meaning “son of Calum,” referring to the dove, often associated with St. Columba.
MacClure (Mac Gille Uidhir) – Meaning “son of the pale servant,” with roots in Scotland and Irish connections.
MacColgan (Mac Colgáin) – Derived from “son of Colgán,” meaning small sword or dagger, found in Gaelic clans of both areas.
MacCormick (Mac Cormaic) – Meaning “son of Cormac,” referring to a charioteer or raven, found in both Scotland and Ireland.
MacCowan (Mac Comhghain) – Meaning “son of Comhghan,” translating to twin or paired, found in Irish and Scottish lineages.
MacCulloch (Mac Cullaich) – Meaning “son of the boar,” associated with strength and courage, found in both Scotland and Ireland.
MacDonald (Mac Dómhnaill) – Meaning “son of Dómhnall,” translating to world ruler, a common name among the Gaels in both Ireland and Scotland.
MacDougal (Mac Dhubhghaill) – Meaning “son of Dubhghall,” translating to dark foreigner, a name linked to Norse-Gaels in Scotland and Ireland.
MacDowell (Mac Dubhghaill) – Meaning “son of Dubhghall,” translating to dark stranger, tied to Norse-Gaelic roots.
MacEwen (Mac Eoghain) – Meaning “son of Eoghan,” translating to born of the yew tree, a shared name between Scots and Irish Gaels.
MacFarlane (Mac Phàrlain) – Derived from “son of Parlan,” translating to little parliament or churchman, found in Ulster Scots.
MacFie (Mac Dhuibhshíth) – Meaning “son of Dubhshíth,” translating to dark peace, a shared Scottish and Irish name.
MacGill (Mac an Ghoill) – Meaning “son of the foreigner,” linked to Norse-Gaelic integration in Ireland and Scotland.
MacGillies (Mac Giolla Íosa) – Meaning “son of the servant of Jesus,” a Christian Gaelic name found in both regions.
MacGillivray (Mac Gille Bràth) – Meaning “son of the servant of judgement,” common in both Highland and Ulster Scots.
MacGregor (Mac Griogair) – Meaning “son of Griogar,” translating to watchful or vigilant, tied to both Scottish and Irish heritage.
MacHugh (Mac Aodha) – Meaning “son of Aodh,” referring to fire, a name found in both Highland Scotland and Irish lineages.
MacInally (Mac an Fhailghigh) – Meaning “son of the poor man,” a name tied to humble or devout origins in Gaelic societies.
MacInnes (Mac Aonghais) – Meaning “son of Aonghus,” translating to one strength, found in both Ireland and Scotland.
MacIntyre (Mac an t-Saoir) – Meaning “son of the carpenter,” found in both Highland Scotland and Irish-Scottish families.
MacKeever (Mac Íomhair) – Meaning “son of Íomhair,” the Gaelic form of the Norse name Ivarr, found in both cultures.
MacKellar (Mac Ealair) – Meaning “son of Ealair,” a Scottish name later adopted by Irish Gaels in Ulster.
MacKenzie (Mac Coinnich) – Meaning “son of Coinneach,” translating to fair or handsome, common in Scottish and Irish lineages.
MacKeown (Mac Eoin) – Meaning “son of John,” a name shared between Ulster Scots and Irish settlers.
MacKerrow (Mac Cearraigh) – Meaning “son of Cearrach,” translating to youthful or young, seen in both regions.
MacKie (Mac Aoidh) – Meaning “son of Aodh,” referring to fire or brightness, common in both traditions.
MacKinnon (Mac Fhionghain) – Derived from “son of Fhionn,” meaning fair or white, with roots in both regions.
MacLachlan (Mac Lochlainn) – Derived from “son of Lochlainn,” referring to Scandinavia or Norse roots, common in Irish and Scottish Gaels.
MacLay (Mac an Léigh) – Meaning “son of the physician,” indicating expertise in healing across Gaelic communities.
MacLean (Mac Gille Eáin) – Meaning “son of the servant of St. John,” originating in Scotland with Irish connections through migration.
MacLeary (Mac Cléirigh) – Derived from “son of the cleric,” reflecting shared ecclesiastical roots in Irish and Scottish Gaels.
MacLellan (Mac Gille Fhaolain) – Meaning “son of the servant of St. Fillan,” common in Irish and Scottish Christian Gaelic clans.
MacLennan (Mac Gille Fhinnein) – Meaning “son of the follower of St. Finnan,” a shared Christian Gaelic heritage.
MacMillan (Mac Maoilín) – Another version of “son of the bald one,” often tied to monastic traditions.
MacNair (Mac an Oighre) – Meaning “son of the heir,” linked to landownership and noble status in both traditions.
MacNaughton (Mac Neachdainn) – Meaning “son of Nechtan,” referring to pure or clear, tied to early Gaelic saints.
Stewart (Stiùbhart) – Derived from a title meaning steward or keeper, common among Scottish clans with Irish presence.
Find Out More About Scottish Irish Surnames
What historical events led to the blending of Scottish and Irish surnames?
The blending of Scottish and Irish surnames resulted from centuries of migration and cultural exchange. Key events include the Dalriadan migration in the early medieval period, which established Gaelic kingdoms in Scotland, and the Plantation of Ulster, where Scottish settlers brought their surnames to Ireland. Intermarriage and shared Celtic traditions further solidified these naming overlaps.
What are the most significant Scottish Irish surnames and their meanings?
Significant Scottish Irish surnames include MacDonald (Mac Dómhnaill), meaning “son of Dómhnall,” a world ruler; Campbell (Caimbeul), meaning “crooked mouth”; and MacNeill (Mac Néill), meaning “son of Niall,” a chieftain’s descendant. These names reflect leadership, kinship, and shared heritage across both cultures.
How do these surnames reflect the shared Gaelic heritage of Scotland and Ireland?
These surnames embody the linguistic and cultural bonds between the two regions. Names like MacGregor (Mac Griogair) and MacLachlan (Mac Lochlainn) reflect Gaelic traditions of clan-based identities, while common prefixes like Mac and Ó highlight shared lineage-based naming systems.
Are there surnames that specifically highlight the Norse influence on both cultures?
Yes, surnames like MacLeod (Mac Leòid), derived from Norse “Leod,” and MacAuliffe (Mac Amhlaoibh), meaning “son of Olaf,” highlight Norse influence. These names reflect the Viking settlements in Ireland and Scotland, where Norse culture blended with Gaelic traditions.
How can you trace your ancestry through Scottish Irish surnames?
Tracing ancestry through Scottish Irish surnames involves studying historical records, such as clan histories, parish registers, and immigration documents. Names like MacKenzie (Mac Coinnich) or MacRory (Mac Ruaidhrí) can pinpoint ancestral regions and connections to specific clans. DNA testing and genealogical research can further link families to their Scottish Irish roots.
