Surname McNachtan - Meaning and Origin

McNachtan: What does the surname McNachtan mean?

The last name McNachtan is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic Macnancthan, meaning “son of Nath.” This name, in turn, is derived from “Nath,” a personal name of Celtic origin that means “hawk-like” or “eagle-like.” The Gaelic form of Nath was Neachtan.

The earliest mention of the surname McNachtan comes from the 8th century when the first recorded spelling was as MacNachtan. By the 14th century, the spelling had evolved to McNachtan. In Scotland, the surname McNachtan is mainly found in the Glagow and Edinburgh regions.

The surname McNachtan is derived from Gaelic to English, meaning “son of Nath” and was likely given to an ancestor with eagle or hawk like qualities. Through the centuries, the name has evolved to take the form of McNachtan and is now found primarily in Scotland.

The surname has accompanied many through generations and is now used to identify Scottish descendants similarly. The origin of the name reveals a value placed on nature, wildlife and paying respect to notable traits the ancestor might have held, which is a legacy to be valued and commemorated.

McNachtan: Where does the name McNachtan come from?

The last name McNachtan is most commonly found in Scotland today. In 2019, there were an estimated 119 people in Scotland who used it as their last name, and one person in England, according to research conducted by the National Records of Scotland. Within Scotland, there are slightly more people with the last name McNachtan living in the south than in the north.

McNachtan itself is believed to be derived from the old-style, Irish-Gaelic Mac Nachtan, translating literally into 'son of Nachtan'. Nachtan itself is derived from the term nathac, which refers to a small but swift water creature of Irish mythology.

The spelling of McNachtan has varied over time, sometimes being spelled as MacNachtan in local records. It has also been combined with a variety of other Gaelic surnames, such as McMathon, MacKnathen, or MacNachten, the latter being the preferred spelling among many.

This last name is connected to a wider community of people of Scottish-Gaelic descent, who’s family nomenclature often began with the prefixes 'Mac' or 'Mc'. It is likely that McNachtan has spread from Scotland to other places as people of Scottish ancestry have moved over time.

Overall, the last name McNachtan has significance in Scotland today, and its origin can be traced back to the old-style Irish-Gaelic origins of Mac Nachtan.

Variations of the surname McNachtan

The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname McNachtan are Nachtan, Mcnachtane, Macnachtan, McKnatan, Macnatan, McNachten, MacNachten, Mc Nichtan, and McNichton. These variations are typically found in Scotland and Ireland, with the earliest recorded example being William de Nachtane, who appears in the Ragman Roll of 1296.

The most common form is McNachtan, which is derived from the Scottish Gaelic Mac an t-Saoir or ‘son of the mason’. This origin suggests that the first McNachtan was likely a stonemason who lived in the Highlands of Scotland in the late-medieval period. The surname has been recorded in various forms since then, with variations emerging in different parts of Scotland and Ireland.

The spelling variation Macnachtan, with its distinctly Scottish lilt, is primarily found in Scotland. McKnatan is also observed in Scotland, while Macnatan is also common in Northern Ireland. A more contemporary spelling, McNichton, is found throughout Scotland and England, and this is due to the anglicization of the surname.

The anglicization of the name is also responsible for the emergence of other spellings, such as Mcnachtane and McNachten. These spellings have become more frequent in recent generations, as people have relocated to different parts of the world.

In conclusion, the variations of the surname McNachtan are a testament to the changing nature of surnames over time. Each spelling reflects the impact of anglicization on different periods of Scottish and Irish history, as well as the fact that many of these surnames have been carried to different countries by those who have emigrated from the region.

Famous people with the name McNachtan

• Damian Mcnachtan: professional Scottish footballer currently playing for Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.
• William McNachtan: popular American author and editor of science-fiction and fantasy literature.
• Laura McNachtan: renowned award-winning Scottish actress, known for her roles in Doctor Who and The League of Gentlemen.
• Alan McNachtan: respected Scottish artist and sculptor whose work has been exhibited across the world.
• Jason McNachtan: popular American voice actor, known for his voice-over roles in video games such as Fallout: New Vegas and Borderlands 2.
• Craig McNachtan: British film producer, known for producing films such as The British Comedy Awards, Spy Hard and Greedy.
• Johnathan McNachtan: celebrated British artist and sculptor who has exhibited in renowned galleries and museums across the UK.
• Sean McNachtan: accomplished American jazz pianist and composer, known for his work with renowned jazz musicians such as Kenny Garrett and Christian McBride.
• Eilene McNachtan: highly-regarded American author and poet, whose work has won various awards.
• Thomas McNachtan: distinguished British artist, specialising in painting and mixed media.

Other surnames

McNachtin