The last name McNulty is of Irish origin. It is an anglicized version of the Gaelic name Mac an Ultaigh, which means "son of the Ulsterman." The name likely originates from County Donegal in Ireland.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Mcnulty

The surname McNulty is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac an Ultaigh," meaning "son of Ultagh." Ultagh is believed to be a personal name derived from the element "ultach," which means "Ulsterman" or "from Ulster." The name McNulty is primarily associated with the province of Ulster in Ireland. Individuals with the surname McNulty can trace their ancestry back to ancient Celtic tribes that inhabited the region. Over centuries, the McNulty clan likely occupied lands and established communities in counties such as Donegal, Cavan, Derry, and Tyrone. The McNulty name is frequently found in historical records pertaining to these areas, often linked to individuals involved in farming, trade, or even local governance. As with many Irish surnames, the spelling of McNulty may have varied over time due to factors such as illiteracy and regional accents, resulting in alternative spellings such as "McAnulty" or "McKnulty." Today, individuals with the McNulty surname can be found worldwide, particularly among the Irish diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mcnulty

The last name McNulty has a strong geographical distribution, primarily found in Ireland and Scotland. It is an Anglicized form of the Irish surname Mac an Ultaigh, which means "son of the Ulsterman." The majority of individuals with this surname can be traced back to County Donegal in Ireland, where the name originated. Donegal and other counties in the Ulster province have a significant concentration of McNulty families. However, due to historical events such as the Great Famine and emigration, McNulty descendants can also be found in various parts of the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, especially Scotland and England. Additionally, the name has spread to other countries through migration patterns. Today, McNulty is not an uncommon surname, but its highest concentration is still observed in Ireland and Scotland, reflecting its Celtic origins.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mcnulty

The last name McNulty has a few variations and spellings. One common variation is MacNulty, where the "a" is capitalized. Another variation is MacAnulty, where the "c" is capitalized, indicating a different pronunciation. Some spellings may include McNullty, McAnalty, MacNaulty, or McNutty. These variations often occur due to changes in pronunciation and regional dialects over time, as families migrated or settled in different areas. Additionally, variations may arise from the differing ways names were recorded in historical documents or immigration records. The name itself likely originated in Ireland and Scotland, with the prefix "Mac" indicating a son or descendant of Nulty. As with many surnames, different branches or individual members of the family may have chosen to spell or anglicize their name differently, leading to a diversity of variations and spellings of the McNulty name.

Famous people with the last name Mcnulty

One prominent figure with the last name McNulty is Dominic J. McNulty, an accomplished American lawyer and judge. He served as a United States District Judge for the District of Nevada from 1968 to 1984. Throughout his career, Judge McNulty became recognized for his dedication to justice and his fair and impartial judgments. His contributions helped shape and guide the legal system in Nevada. Another notable individual with the last name McNulty is actress Kelly Macdonald, who gained fame for her portrayal of Margaret Schroeder on the hit television series "Boardwalk Empire." With her undeniable talent and captivating performances, Macdonald has received critical acclaim and numerous award nominations throughout her career. Her exceptional acting skills and versatility have solidified her as one of the most respected and sought-after actresses in the industry.

Genealogical research on the last name Mcnulty

The last name McNulty is an Irish surname with roots tracing back to County Donegal in the province of Ulster. The name is believed to have originated from the Gaelic name Mac an Ultaigh, meaning "son of the Ulsterman." It is derived from the personal name Ultach, which signifies someone coming from the historic region of Ulster. The McNulty clan was prominent in County Donegal throughout history, with members known for various occupations, including farming, fishing, and trade. Over time, some McNultys migrated to different parts of Ireland and eventually to other countries, notably the United States, Canada, and Australia. Genealogical research on the McNulty family may uncover connections to specific individuals or branches within the clan, as well as shed light on the migration patterns and history of the surname.

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