MC in Irish Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for the meaning behind the "MC" in Irish names? You're not alone! Many Irish surnames include this prefix, and understanding its significance can shed light on your family history and heritage. This guide delves into the diverse meanings associated with "MC" in Irish names, providing a comprehensive list of surnames and their rich cultural origins.
1. **MacCarthy:** Meaning "son of Carthach," a personal name of Gaelic origin, often associated with the prominent McCarthy clan.

2. **MacDonald:** Meaning "son of Donald," a popular Gaelic name, widely associated with Scottish and Irish heritage.

3. **MacGregor:** Meaning "son of Gregor," a name of Scottish origin, often found in Irish families due to historical connections and migration.

4. **MacNeill:** Meaning "son of Niall," a prominent Gaelic name associated with several Irish dynasties and historical figures.

5. **MacMahon:** Meaning "son of Mághnusa," an Irish personal name, known for its association with the powerful McMahon clan.

6. **MacAuliffe:** Meaning "son of Ailill," an Irish name meaning "generous" or "noble," often linked to the O'Sullivan clan.

7. **MacKenzie:** Meaning "son of Kenneth," a Scottish name of Gaelic origin, prevalent in both Scotland and Ireland.

8. **MacBride:** Meaning "son of Briad," an Irish name meaning "strong" or "noble," often linked to the O'Brien clan.

9. **MacIntyre:** Meaning "son of Indre," an Irish name meaning "vigorous" or "powerful," linked to the O'Connor clan.

10. **MacAllister:** Meaning "son of Alasdair," a Gaelic name, often associated with the powerful MacAllister clan.

11. **MacGowan:** Meaning "son of Owen," an Irish name meaning "well-born" or "noble," often linked to the O'Neill clan.

12. **MacLean:** Meaning "son of Iain," a Gaelic name meaning "God is gracious," often associated with the powerful MacLean clan.

13. **MacMurphy:** Meaning "son of Muircheartach," an Irish name meaning "sea warrior," often linked to the O'Neill clan.

14. **MacDonnell:** Meaning "son of Donnchadh," an Irish name meaning "dark-haired chief," often associated with the O'Donnell clan.

15. **MacNamara:** Meaning "son of Namara," a Gaelic name meaning "strong" or "powerful," often linked to the O'Brien clan.

16. **MacCormack:** Meaning "son of Cormac," an Irish name meaning "charioteer" or "warrior," often linked to the O'Brien clan.

17. **MacGuire:** Meaning "son of Uí Ghuire," a Gaelic name meaning "noble" or "illustrious," often linked to the O'Neill clan.

18. **MacKeown:** Meaning "son of Cómhghain," an Irish name meaning "white warrior," often linked to the O'Neill clan.

19. **MacKenzie:** Meaning "son of Kenneth," a Gaelic name meaning "handsome," often linked to the O'Neill clan.

20. **MacAulay:** Meaning "son of Aodh," an Irish name meaning "fire," often linked to the O'Neill clan.

21. **MacLaughlin:** Meaning "son of Lochlainn," an Irish name meaning "lake warrior," often linked to the O'Neill clan.

22. **MacMahon:** Meaning "son of Mághnusa," an Irish name meaning "strength of God," often linked to the O'Neill clan.

23. **MacLean:** Meaning "son of Iain," a Gaelic name meaning "God is gracious," often linked to the O'Neill clan.

24. **MacNeill:** Meaning "son of Niall," an Irish name meaning "champion," often linked to the O'Neill clan.

25. **MacDonald:** Meaning "son of Donald," an Irish name meaning "world ruler," often linked to the O'Neill clan.

26. **MacGregor:** Meaning "son of Gregor," an Irish name meaning "watchful," often linked to the O'Neill clan.

27. **MacIntosh:** Meaning "son of Toshach," an Irish name meaning "vigilant," often linked to the O'Neill clan.

28. **MacKay:** Meaning "son of Cailean," an Irish name meaning "handsome," often linked to the O'Neill clan.

29. **MacGillivray:** Meaning "son of Gille-Bride," an Irish name meaning "servant of Brigid," often linked to the O'Neill clan.

30. **MacBeth:** Meaning "son of Bethóc," an Irish name meaning "sweet," often linked to the O'Neill clan.

31. **MacLaren:** Meaning "son of Laran," an Irish name meaning "sea warrior," often linked to the O'Neill clan.

32. **MacAlister:** Meaning "son of Alasdair," an Irish name meaning "defender of mankind," often linked to the O'Neill clan.

33. **MacColl:** Meaning "son of Col," an Irish name meaning "victory," often linked to the O'Neill clan.

34. **MacSweeney:** Meaning "son of Suibhne," an Irish name meaning "sweet," often linked to the O'Neill clan.

35. **MacFarlane:** Meaning "son of Fearlan," an Irish name meaning "brave," often linked to the O'Neill clan.

36. **MacDuff:** Meaning "son of Dubh," an Irish name meaning "dark," often linked to the O'Neill clan.

37. **MacLean:** Meaning "son of Iain," a Gaelic name meaning "God is gracious," often linked to the O'Neill clan.

38. **MacPherson:** Meaning "son of Fearchar," an Irish name meaning "strong," often linked to the O'Neill clan.

39. **MacLeod:** Meaning "son of Leòd," an Irish name meaning "lion," often linked to the O'Neill clan.

40. **MacAllister:** Meaning "son of Alasdair," an Irish name meaning "defender of mankind," often linked to the O'Neill clan.