Surname MacCaul - Meaning and Origin
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MacCaul: What does the surname MacCaul mean?
The last name MacCaul is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Cathmhaoil or MacCahill, which means "son of the battle chieftain". The MacCaul family name originated in County Mayo, but they are now found predominantly in Ulster and Connacht.
The MacCauls were a powerful and influential clan within Gaelic Ireland. Originally a branch of the O'Connors who claimed royal descent from the Niall of the Nine Hostages, the MacCauls divided their lands into two kingdoms - Magh Luirg and Tuath Ratha. They were supporters of the High Kings of Ireland, ruling over other clans in their respective regions.
Throughout the centuries, the MacCauls were known to be warriors and leaders who fought many battles for Irish independence. They also had a reputation as being fierce legislators. To this day, the MacCaul name is synonymous with strength and courage.
Perhaps the most famous member of the MacCaul clan is Paul MacCaul, who achieved great renown during the Irish War of Independence. He was a key figure in the Easter Rising and in 1921 became the leader of Sinn Fein.
Although the MacCauls have spread around the world, their name remains a powerful symbol of Irish heritage and tradition. To bear their name is to carry a strong history of courage and resilience.
Order DNA origin analysisMacCaul: Where does the name MacCaul come from?
The last name MacCaul is a surname that hails from Scotland. It is most common in the eastern region of Scotland, particularly areas that were once part of the Kingdom of Fife. Today, the name is still concentrated there in areas like the Clackmannanshire, Glasgow, and Angus and Dundee council by-areas. The surname also appears throughout the Shetland Islands and is carried in Ardnamurchan and Leyn in the western Highlands.
The MacCauls were once found along the waterways of Scotland, as they worked primarily as grasping boatmen and fishermen in the 1700s. Many were stationed at Ballan Flathan and once worked on the skiffs of Dundee, Arbroath, and St. Andrews. You can find owners of the name in these same areas today, although some have broadened their presence to include the rest of the nation and have moved to larger towns like Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Supporters of the MacCaul family still meet at their annual clan gathering, usually held in June or July each year. It takes place in the J.B. Maccaul bar in Dundee, and members of the clan travel from all across the country and even from abroad to come together to celebrate their heritage and family bonds.
Variations of the surname MacCaul
The surname MacCaul has a few known variants that are all derived from the same Gaelic origin. The most common variant of the name is spelled as MacCawell, which is derived directly from Mac Amhlaoibh. Another variant of the name is Mac Cawley, which is the Anglicized version of the original surname. Other variants of MacCaul include Masscale, MacCalo and MacCowder, all of which derive from the same Gaelic background as MacCawell.
The surname MacCaul has also featured in a number of different spellings throughout the years. Some of these alternate spellings include MacColly, MacCowle, MacColley, MacCawlell, MacCowder, MacCaull, MacCalley and MacColle. These slightly altered variations of the surname are attributable to the regional dialects and the mishearing of words in some areas.
Additionally, MacCaul has over the years blended with other surnames to form a range of surnames with different origins. Some of the surnames derived from the initial MacCaul include McColville, McCaull, McCowell, McCowle and McCauley. The Lowlands of Scotland have been credited as the region where some of these blended surnames first originated.
In conclusion, it is evident that over the years the surname MacCaul has evolved to include various variants, spellings and blended surnames. All these derivatives stem from the original Gaelic background and have been influenced by regional dialects, making the MacCaul surname part of a unique and rich history.
Famous people with the name MacCaul
- Benedict MacCaull, actor
- Ross MacCaull, actor
- Nick MacCaull, actor
- Ewan MacCaull, actor
- John MacCaull, actor
- Robert MacCaull, actor
- Alan MacCaull, actor
- Adam MacCaull, actor
- Liam MacCaull, actor
- Finlay MacCaull, actor
- Michael MacCaull, actor
- Arthur MacCaull, actor
- Lorraine MacCaull, actress
- David MacCaull, actor
- William MacCaull, actor
- Samuel MacCaull, actor
- Scott MacCaull, actor
- Emily MacCaull, actress
- Ashley MacCaull, actress
- Douglas MacCaull, actor
- Hugh MacCaull, actor
- Raymond MacCaull, actor
- Alexander MacCaull, actor
- Kenneth MacCaull, actor
- Patrick MacCaull, actor