Last Name Mccalla

The surname "McCalla" is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name "MacCathail" or "Mac Cathail," meaning "son of Cathal." "Mac" translates to "son of," and "Cathal" is a personal name of Celtic origin that means "battle ruler" or "mighty in battle." Over time, "MacCathail" evolved and Anglicized into various forms, including McCalla. The name is relatively common in Scotland and among Scottish descendants in other countries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mccalla

The meaning and origin of the last name Mccalla

The surname McCalla is of Scottish and Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name "MacCathail" or "Mac Cathal," which means "son of Cathal" in English. The name "Cathal" is a combination of the words "cath," meaning "battle," and "al," meaning "mighty" or "powerful." Therefore, the surname McCalla can be interpreted as "son of the mighty warrior" or "son of the powerful one." The MacCathail clan is believed to have originated in the Gaelic-speaking regions of Scotland and Ireland. Over time, different variations of the surname emerged, such as MacCawell, McCaulay, MacCallum, and McColla, which eventually led to the formation of the McCalla variant. This surname likely developed as a patronymic surname, which signified a family's lineage or descent from a notable ancestor. Today, individuals with the surname McCalla can be found throughout the English-speaking world, often representing their Scottish or Irish heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mccalla

The last name McCalla has a relatively small geographical distribution, with the majority of individuals with this surname being found in the United States. The highest concentration of McCalla can be found in the southern states, particularly in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. In these areas, the McCalla name has historical roots dating back several generations, and many families have established deep ties to these regions. Other notable areas with a significant number of individuals with the last name McCalla include Florida, Georgia, and Texas. Outside of the United States, the name is less common, but there are still some individuals with the surname McCalla in countries like Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name McCalla reflects its origins and historical connections to the southern states of the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mccalla

The last name McCalla has various spelling variations and derivatives, which can be attributed to differences in pronunciation, immigration records, or personal preference. Some of the most common variations and spellings include MacCalla, MacAla, McCalay, McCalley, McCawley, McCalley, McCaulay, McCallah, Mccullagh, Mccaley, McAlla, Mccalla, McCauly, MacAuley, McCawlay, McCaughy, and MacAlyea. These variations can be seen across different regions and time periods, as families with the McCalla last name migrated, adapted, or changed their name due to linguistic or cultural influence. It is worth noting that the spelling of names can differ between different branches of a family, as well as in official documents and records. Despite the variations, these spellings all share a common origin and can be traced back to the same Scottish or Irish heritage associated with the McCalla surname.

Famous people with the last name Mccalla

There are not many well-known individuals with the last name McCalla. One of the most prominent figures is Desi McCalla, who was an American actress and dancer. She gained fame for her role as Cleo in the Broadway musical "The Most Happy Fella" in the 1950s. Desi McCalla's talent and captivating stage presence left a lasting impression in the theater world, making her a respected name among performers of her time. Another notable figure is George McCalla, a highly respected naval officer in the United States Navy during the 19th century. McCalla commanded ships during several significant naval battles, and his contributions were recognized with numerous awards and honors. While the McCalla name may not be widely recognized in popular culture, these individuals have made their mark in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Mccalla

The surname McCalla has its origins in Scotland. It is derived from the Gaelic name "MacCathail," meaning "son of Cathal." Cathal itself means "battle ruler" or "mighty in battle." The McCalla clan was originally located in the Western Highlands and islands of Scotland. Over time, the clan migrated to different parts of the country, including the Lowlands and Northern Ireland. The McCalla name spread further through immigration, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries when many Scottish families sought better opportunities in North America, Australia, and other English-speaking countries. Today, descendants of the McCalla clan can be found in various parts of the world, with different branches of the family retaining the name's spelling, while others adopted slightly different variations such as McCall, McCaul, or McCawley. Genealogical research on the McCalla surname has led to the discovery of many diverse and interesting family stories, tracing the roots and branches of this ancient Scottish clan.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mccalla"
• 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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