Last Name Mccracken

The surname McCracken originates from Scotland and Ireland. It is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Mac Rathain, which means "son of Raghan." In Scotland, it is primarily found in Ayrshire and Dumfries-shire. In Ireland, it is most common in County Donegal. The McCrackens were a powerful sept, or clan, in Ulster, Ireland, with their chief residing at Castle McCracken until the 17th century.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mccracken

The meaning and origin of the last name Mccracken

The surname McCracken is an Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name Mac Raghaenaigh. It originates from County Donegal in Ireland, where it was originally pronounced "Mac Rathaigh," meaning 'son of the raging one'. The name is believed to have been given to someone who exhibited fiery or passionate characteristics. Over time, the pronunciation evolved into McCracken as it transitioned from Gaelic to English. This surname is most commonly found in Ulster, the northern province of Ireland, where many Irish families emigrated during the 17th and 18th centuries due to political unrest and economic hardship, spreading the name to various parts of the British Isles and eventually overseas.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mccracken

The last name Mccracken is predominantly found in Ireland and Scotland, where it originated from the Gaelic Mac Raichean or Mac Raghaich, meaning "son of the curlew." Over time, it was anglicized to McRaken and eventually Mccracken. The name spread to other English-speaking countries, particularly England, Wales, and North America, due to emigration during the 18th and 19th centuries. In present times, significant numbers of individuals with the last name Mccracken reside in Ireland, Scotland, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mccracken

The surname Mccracken has several variations and spelling formats due to differences in transcription over time and across regions. Some common variations include McCracken, McCrakin, MacCracken, and McKracken. Other less frequent forms might be MacCraehen, Mac Craiken, or McKrayken. The name is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic Mac Raicinn, meaning "son of Raich," with Raich being a diminutive form of Richard. It's essential to note that these variations may not all be interchangeable, as some are more regional or historically specific than others.

Famous people with the last name Mccracken

Notable individuals with the surname McCracken include:

1. John McCracken (1934-2011), an American abstract painter and sculptor who was part of the Los Angeles art scene since the 1960s. He is known for his geometric minimalist works in primary colors.

2. James McCracken (1928-1997), an American opera singer who performed leading roles with major opera companies worldwide. He was a prominent baritone and also served as General Director of the Houston Grand Opera.

3. Dustin McCracken, a Canadian professional ice hockey player who currently plays for the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL).

4. Robert "Fighting Bob" McCracken (1837-1903), an American Civil War general and Union Army officer. He served as the Adjutant General of Illinois during the war and was known for his bravery in battle.

Genealogical research on the last name Mccracken

The surname McCracken is primarily of Scottish origin, deriving from the Gaelic Mac Raicin, meaning "son of Raiken," with Raiken being a byname referring to a "fine-haired" or "red-haired" man. The name was Anglicized as McRakan and later as McCracken during the 17th century when many Scots migrated to Ulster, Ireland, during the Plantation of Ulster by the English crown. From Ireland, some McCrackens emigrated to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries, settling primarily in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Canada. Notable individuals with this surname include William McCracken, a prominent 19th-century American businessman and philanthropist, and James Earle Fraser, an American sculptor famous for the Buffalo Nickel design. The McCracken Research Library in Kentucky, established by a descendant of a pioneer family, is a significant repository of resources on the history of the region.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

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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 : 28 July 2025

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