Surname MacEaracher - Meaning and Origin
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MacEaracher: What does the surname MacEaracher mean?
The last name MacEaracher is an anglicised version of the Scottish Gaelic, Mac Iarachair. It is derived from the two elements, 'mac' and 'iarachair', with the former basically meaning 'son of' and the latter being an occupational surname for a 'shearer', or someone who shears sheep for wool production.
The associated coat of arms is a blue shield, silver chief, and three black sheep, which was used to represent those that were involved in sheep production. This is often referred to as 'MacEaracher of the Borders', as the descendants of this family were located in the Scottish Borders region.
Today, there are still many people who carry the MacEaracher name and the majority live in Scotland. Some may have migrated to Canada and the United States, as well as other countries. The name is generally seen as a proud one, as it is a reminder of a people with an independent and proud spirit.
Overall, MacEaracher is an old, proud Scottish name, with a strong connection to sheep production in the Scottish Borders region. Although less common, some people may still carry the name today, although its primary association is with the highlands of Scotland.
Order DNA origin analysisMacEaracher: Where does the name MacEaracher come from?
The last name MacEaracher is most commonly encountered in Scotland, particularly in clans related to the Clan MacEachern of Argyll who trace their origin to the Monument of Leod in Skye. It is also present in clan areas related to the Clan Maclachlan, descended from the kings of Castle Sween in Knapdale, Argyll. The name is very likely of Irish origin, as MacEachern is thought by some to be a variant of MacEarchaidh, a common Irish name.
In addition to Scotland, the surname MacEaracher is also present in England, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United States, and Brazil, with individuals bearing the name having arrived in those countries primarily from Scotland as part of attempted colonization efforts of the British Empire. In the United States, various members of the clan that have immigrated can be found across a number of states.
Today, it is still most commonly seen in Scotland and those descendants from the originally Gaelic speaking families, preserved in part to the culture and traditions of the famous clan systems of Scotland throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.
Variations of the surname MacEaracher
MacEaracher is a surname with several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common form of the surname is MacEarchar, which is an anglicised spelling of the original Scottish surname. It may also be spelled as MacErcher, McEarchar, MacEachern, MacEacher, or MacEacar.
The derivation of the name is somewhat uncertain, however it is believed to originate from the Gaelic word 'cachar', which means 'merchandise' or 'business'. The word 'Mac', which is Gaelic for 'son', has likely been added to the front of the word to form a patronymic surname.
As a patronymic name, the MacEaracher surname was used by many branches of the same family. Variations of the name spellings can be found in Scotland, Ireland, England, and the United States. Other surnames of the same origin include MacEacher, Macher, MaCara, and MacCara.
Other spellings of MacEaracher include MacEachern, MacEcrian, MacEacrae, MacEacre, and MacEady. It is believed that other spellings of the surname have been adopted over the centuries depending on region and which records were available.
In recent times, some have dropped the 'Mac' prefix in the surname and may just go by Earacher or Eracher.
Regardless of the particular spelling, MacEaracher is a unique surname of Scottish origin with a rich history.
Famous people with the name MacEaracher
- Sinead MacEarcher, Irish model and radio personality
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- Dara MacEarcher, Scottish American professional ice hockey player
- Gerry MacEarcher, American video game developer
- Aleksandr MacEarcher, Russian curler
- Carla MacEarcher, English classical soprano
- Rebecca MacEarcher, French tennis player
- Bart MacEarcher, Canadian sports broadcaster
- Finn MacEarcher, Welsh stand-up comedian