Surname MacTire - Meaning and Origin
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MacTire: What does the surname MacTire mean?
MacTire is an Irish surname of Gaelic origin. The surname MacTire is derived from the compound personal name, Mac an tSaoir, meaning "son of the craftsman." The tSaoir surname translates to "artisan," or "craftsman," thus making MacTire a reference to a person who has or had ancestral links with a craftsperson or artisan family.
Historically, many members of the MacTire surname were involved in the development of wool and paper industries in the rural regions of the country. The production of a high-quality, unbleached product was essential in the supply of cloth for the entire population and was greatly aided in part by what is modern-day Genting Highlands.
Today, the MacTire name is still associated with a strong and proud family tradition. It is common for MacTire families to celebrate their heritage through music, dance and art. Family recipes and traditional crafts, such as sewing and woodworking, often get passed down through the generations. It is very common for members of the MacTire name to play a role in the Irish educational system.
The MacTire name carries a rich history of determination and strength. Active involvement in the community and strong family ties are the most constant and unifying characteristics of the MacTire family. The pride associated with this name is carried on by thousands of individuals across Ireland, Scotland, England and the rest of the world.
Order DNA origin analysisMacTire: Where does the name MacTire come from?
The last name MacTire is more commonly found amongst people of Irish descent. It is a shared name between Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man. Records indicate that it originally originated in Ireland, and has been passed down through generations of families since the 13th century.
The most concentrated area of MacTire's is still found in Ireland today. In the late 18th century, large numbers of people with the last name MacTire emigrated to America from Ireland and Britain. Today, many MacTire's are living in other countries outside of Europe and Ireland.
In the United States, MacTire's are found scattered throughout the country but particularly on the East Coast. There is also a concentration of people with the last name MacTire in Canada - especially in the French-speaking provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick.
The Glasgow police force in Scotland has a large number of MacTire's in their ranks, and other areas of the UK like London, Birmingham and Manchester have significant numbers of MacTire's living there too. Australia and New Zealand also boast a few MacTire's in their population.
Overall, MacTire's have spread throughout the world over many years of emigration across the world's continents. The name continues to be common today amongst people of Irish descent in many parts of the world.
Variations of the surname MacTire
The MacTire surname has various spellings, variants, and surnames of the same origin. The most common spelling is Mactire, although it can also be spelled MacTire or MacTyre.
Variants of the MacTire surname include MacTighe, MacTeigue, MacTague, MacTigg, MacTig, MacTyer, MacTay, MacTague, MacTye, MacTiga, MacTeag, MacTeeg, MacTermoor, MacTiremore, MacTymer, MacTeer, and MacTyner.
Many of these variants originate in Ireland and Scotland. In Ireland, the name is derived from the Gaelic Mac Thighearna, meaning "son of a lord or master," which ultimately derives from Tighearna, meaning "lord" or "master." The MacTire surname is most commonly found in the provinces of Connacht and Ulster in Ireland. In Scotland, the MacTire surname is derived from the Gaelic Mac an t-Saoir, meaning "son of the craftsman."
The MacTire surname can also be found in Scotland and other parts of Great Britain. Variants of the name include MacTear, MacTere, MacTeary, MacTyrie, and MacTerrey.
The MacTire surname is also found in the United States, although it is less common. Variants of the surname in the US include MacTear, MacTyre, MacTier, MacTyer, MacTirey, MacTiremore, MacTyrmore, MacThear, and MacTheer.
No matter the spelling or variant, the MacTire surname has a long and rich history with roots that date back hundreds of years.
Famous people with the name MacTire
- RR MacTire: Pulitzer Prize-winning Irish-American journalist and humanitarian.
- Alexander MacTire: 18th century Irish physician who wrote widely on medical topics.
- Kian MacTire: Irish actor, filmmaker, and one of the most successful Irish filmmakers of the 21st century.
- Desmond MacTire: Irish graphic artist, illustrator and sculptor. His work has been exhibited in several museums and galleries worldwide.
- Christopher MacTire: Irish author and University of Dublin professor who is a leading expert in linguistics.
- Jack MacTire: Scottish historian and novelist best known for his books on Scotland's history and culture.
- John MacTire: Irish composer and writer of numerous orchestral and choral works.
- Anthony MacTire: Founding member of the UK band ‘The Dubliners’.
- Colin MacTire: Award-winning American children’s book author and illustrator.
- Shirley MacTire: American film, television & stage actor.