Unlock the Meaning of Your Scottish Surname
Are you curious about a Scottish surname in your family tree? Understanding its origins and meanings can tell you a lot about your ancient Scottish ancestors. Here’s what you need to know:
The earliest recorded usage of Scottish surnames dates back to the 13th century, when they were primarily patronymic in nature. This means that they were derived from the name of one’s father or ancestor and began with “Mac” or “Mc”. For example, a person named “Donald MacGregor” might have been Donald, the son of Gregor (MacGregor being an Anglicized version of this). Other prominent naming conventions included “bin” and “ibn”, both meaning “son of”.
As time passed, many people adopted fixed surnames using different methods. Many took on the name of where they lived or held land (e.g., Campbell), while others adopted occupational names (e.g., Smith). Some people also adopted ethnic names from other countries such as Ireland, England or France.
Today, many Scots trace their ancestry through genealogical records compiled by organizations like the General Register Office for Scotland. These records provide insight into not only family histories but also characteristics such as occupation and origin associated with a particular surname.
Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning and History
Watch How Gerard Butler teaches Scottish Slang
How difficult is the Scottish Accent?