Surname MacNiter - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacNiter: What does the surname MacNiter mean?
The origin of the last name MacNiter is uncertain. However, most sources agree that it is of Scottish and Irish origin. There are two main theories about its origins.
The first of these theories is that the last name is derived from the Gaelic name Mac an tSaoir, meaning "son of the craftsman." In this theory, the family was descended from skilled artisans or craftsmen who had moved to Scotland from Ireland long ago.
The second theory is that the family descends from the Irish clan MacNeachtan. This clan was located in the Irish province of Connacht.Their descendants may have come to Scotland, settling in the Scottish Highlands, and adopted the surname MacNiter in order to distinguish themselves from other families.
Today, the last name MacNiter can be found throughout Scotland, especially in the Highlands, as well as in parts of Ireland. It carries with it a long and proud history of craftsmanship, loyalty, and strength.
Order DNA origin analysisMacNiter: Where does the name MacNiter come from?
The last name MacNiter is of Scottish origin and can still be found predominantly in Scotland today. The original form of the name was written as Macnaughtan, derived from the Gaelic Macneachdainn, which is composed of two elements; mac meaning "son" and na h-achdainn, meaning 'of the oath'.
Towards the end of the 17th century, this name was simplified to MacNiter. In 1745 the MacNiter family supported Bonnie Prince Charlie in his failed attempt to restore the Stuarts to the throne of Scotland. Clan chief, Alexander MacNiter of MacNiter, was shot and killed in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden.
In modern times the MacNiter name can still be found throughout Scotland, particularly in known MacNiter family strongholds, such as the Highlands, the Lothians, and the Mazairaich districts of Scotland. It can also be found in other parts of the world, such as Canada, the United States, and Australia, due to the Scots who emigrated overseas during the 16th and 17th centuries.
The MacNiter surname of today is a proud reminder of Scotland's history, and a source of much pride for its descendents.
Variations of the surname MacNiter
The surname MacNiter is of Scottish and Irish origin and has several variants, spellings and related surnames that have the same origin. The most common variation of the surname MacNiter is MacNaught. The spelling of the name MacNiter is often changed or altered due to the effects of various influences throughout history. The other variant spellings of the name MacNiter are MacNaughtan, MacNutt, MacNutty, MacNaughter, MacNater, and MacNauther.
The names MacNitter and MacNaught are derived from the Gaelic Mac name Mac an Fhiodhather, which means “son of the woodsman”. The name suggests that a person bearing this surname may have originally had a profession that related to forestry. Another related surname derived from the same origin is McNoe, which is an Irish version of the name MacNiter and is found mainly in Ireland and Scotland.
Variations of this surname often occur through the mixing of names, which can be typical of people migrating from one area to another, often due to war or economic reasons. This has resulted in many variations of this surname, including MacIntyr, MacNirt, MacNyrty, MacIntire, MacIntaigh, MacIntogher, and MacIntoch.
Lastly, the surname MacNiter is also related to the surname MacNaughton, which is derived from the same Gaelic origins as MacNiter and is a common Scottish Highland surname. This variation of the surname is use today mainly in Scotland and North America.
Famous people with the name MacNiter
- Jesse MacNider: a Canadian actor, known for his roles on the video game series Rage 2 and the television series “The L Word.”
- John MacNider: a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played parts of two seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the New York Rangers.
- Bill MacNider: a former professional football player from the CFL.
- Sean MacNider: a former professional football player who played defensive back for the National Football League’s Pittsburgh Steelers from 1972 to 1974.
- Michael MacNider: a United States Air Force general who served as commander of the 8th Air Force, during and after World War II.
- Blair MacNider: a former United States Senator and Representative from Iowa.
- Mike MacNider: an American professional game caster and creator of machinima series, including “ Video Game High School” and “The Adventures of Dudley Fitz”.
- Kelly MacNider: an award-winning Canadian filmmaker, producer, documentary filmmaker, and public speaker.