Surname Mcgrath - Meaning and Origin

Tracing the McGrath History: A Journey of Self-Discovery through iGENEA DNA Test

My journey with the iGENEA DNA test unveiled an enriching heritage tied to the surname McGrath. Discovering roots in historic Ireland, ties to the esteemed Celtic society, and an association with influential historical figures, has transformed my perception of my family identity, filling it with pride and deeper connection.

O. Mcgrath

Mcgrath: What does the surname Mcgrath mean?

The last name McGrath is of Irish origin and derives from the Gaelic words "Mac" meaning "son" and "Gráda," which means “noble” or “illustrious.” Thus, the surname McGrath roughly translates as “son of the noble or illustrious one.” The name is widespread and particularly common in counties Clare, Waterford, and Tipperary in Ireland. Variations in spelling include MacGrath, Magrath, and McGrath. Over time, many people with this surname have emigrated to other countries, leading to its presence in many parts of the world today. Despite the dispersal, the surname McGrath remains firmly rooted in its Celtic origins, maintaining a strong and proud connection to Irish heritage and history.

Mcgrath: Where does the name Mcgrath come from?

The surname McGrath originates from Ireland, derived from the Irish name "Mac Craith" or "Mag Raith." It is composed of the Gaelic elements "Mac" meaning "son," and "Raith" meaning "grace" or "prosperity." The surname McGrath emerged during the 12th century in counties Clare, Waterford, and Tipperary, where the ancestral seat of the McGrath Clan is located.

Today, the surname continues to be most common in Ireland, especially in its areas of origin. Moreover, due to historical emigration patterns, particularly during the Great Famine in the 19th century, the surname McGrath can also be commonly found in countries such as the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom, where many Irish people settled.

Variations of the surname Mcgrath

The surname McGrath originated from Ireland. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Mac Craith", with “mac” meaning son and “craith” interpreted to mean grace, prosperity or wisdom. The surname has seen numerous variations in spelling due to the phonetic translations between English and Gaelic, as well as regional dialects in Ireland.

Common variants of the McGrath surname include MacGrath, Magrath, and McGrath itself. It's also seen spelled as McCreath, MacCraith, McGraw and McGragh, particularly in cases where families emigrated and adapted the spelling to fit in more with their new homeland's language.

There are also surnames that may derive from the same origin, or be variants in a more extended or oblique way. These include names such as Macrae or MacRay, which look and sound similar, but may have slightly different origins.

Another factor affecting variance in spelling comes from instances of the prefix "Mac" or "Mc" being dropped, giving rise to surnames such as Grath or Graw.

Keep in mind that tracing the precise lineage and variant spellings of a surname can be difficult due to these reasons of language, culture, and migration.

Famous people with the name Mcgrath

• Thomas E. McGrath, a Pulitzer Prize-winning American poet
• Nora Jane McGrath, an American musician
• Jennifer McGrath, an American judge
• Diane McGrath, a former tennis professional
• Steve McGrath, an American actor
• Matthew McGrath, an American actor
• Michael McGrath, an American politician
• Dean McGrath, an American politician
• Jim McGrath, an American political strategist
• Eileen McGrath, an Irish journalist
• Terrence McGrath, an American academic and author
• Nuala McGrath, an Irish musical theatre singer
• Donal McGrath, an Irish Gaelic footballer
• Sean McGrath, an Irish political commentator
• Joseph McGrath, an American film director and producer
• Eoin McGrath, an Irish hurler
• William McGrath, an Irish loyalist leader
• Vincent McGrath, a former Irish Olympic runner
• Traolach McGrath, an Irish fiddler
• Luke McGrath, an Irish rugby union player

Other surnames

McGranahanMcGraneMcGraw