Last Name Mccall

The surname McCall is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name "MacCall," which means "Son of Call" or "Son of Cathal." "Mac" is a prefix meaning "son of," and "Call" or "Cathal" is a personal name of ancient Gaelic origin, meaning "mighty in battle" or "strong in battle." The name MacCall was later anglicized to McCall, and variations such as M'Caw, M'Coul, and M'Coll are also seen. People with the McCall surname are primarily of Scottish descent and can be found throughout Scotland and in various other parts of the world where Scottish migration has occurred.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mccall

The meaning and origin of the last name Mccall

The surname McCall has several possible origins. One origin is Scottish, derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Cathail," meaning "son of Cathal." Cathal is an ancient Irish given name, derived from "cath" meaning "battle," and "val" meaning "rule" or "ruler." Another possible origin is from the Irish name Mac Cathmhaoil, meaning "son of the battle chief." The surname McCall is also sometimes found in Ireland as a variant of the name MacAulay, derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Amhalghaidh," meaning "son of Amhalghadh." Amhalghadh is an Irish given name meaning "punctual" or "on time." Additionally, the surname McCall may have originated from a place name, such as the hamlet of McCall in Scotland or the town of McCall in Idaho, United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mccall

The last name McCall is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the southern region. This surname originated from Scotland and was brought to America through immigration. In the US, the highest concentration of the McCall surname can be found in states such as Texas, Georgia, California, Florida, and North Carolina. These regions are known for their diverse populations and historical ties to Scottish immigration. Additionally, McCall can also be found in significant numbers in Scotland, as it originated from Clan MacCallum. Over time, some individuals with the McCall name may have migrated to other parts of the world, such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, contributing to its geographical distribution in these countries. Despite its Scottish origins, the McCall surname has spread internationally through generations of migration, resulting in a diverse geographic distribution.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mccall

The last name McCall can have a few variations and spellings. One common variation is MacCall, which represents the Gaelic form of the name. Another variation is M'Call, where the apostrophe indicates a contraction of the name. It is also worth mentioning that occasionally, the Mc can be spelled as Mac, indicating the lineage is of Scottish origin. Additionally, different parts of the world may have their own adapted spellings. In Ireland, for instance, variations such as Mccaul, Mccawl, or MacAuley can be found. Similarly, in England or other English-speaking countries, the spelling Mccale or Mccaul may emerge. It is important to note that different individuals may choose to spell their last name differently, even within the same family line. These variations and spellings of the surname McCall reflect the diverse linguistic influences that shape our world.

Famous people with the last name Mccall

One famous person with the last name McCall is Wayne McCall, an American football player who played as a running back in the National Football League (NFL) during the 1970s. McCall played for the New England Patriots and the Cleveland Browns, earning a reputation for his speed and agility on the field. He was known for his explosive running style and ability to make big plays. As a standout player, McCall received numerous accolades and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1973, showcasing his skills against the league's best players. In addition to his professional career, McCall also played college football at the University of Houston. His contributions to the sport have solidified his name among the renowned McCall family.

Genealogical research on the last name Mccall

The last name McCall is a variant of the Gaelic surname Mac Cathmhaoil, meaning "son of Cathmhaol." The Mac Cathmhaol clan originated in the county of Cork, Ireland, where they were anciently seated as a Gaelic sept. Over time, members of the clan migrated to different regions, including Scotland and England, due to various historical events such as the Irish Plantations and Jacobite uprisings. The name McCall can now be found prominently in these countries and their respective diaspora communities. Genealogical research reveals numerous notable individuals bearing the McCall surname throughout history. For instance, in Scotland, the renowned Scottish surgeon Sir John McCall played a significant role in the development of modern surgery. In the United States, the McCall family has notable connections to the founding of Idaho, as one of its members, Thomas Bulfinch McCall, served as Idaho's second governor. Additionally, McCall family members have made diverse contributions in fields such as arts, politics, and academics, further enriching the legacy of the McCall surname.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mccall"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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