Origin & Meaning of the Macarthur Surname
What does the last name Macarthur mean?
The surname Macarthur carries the meaning "Son of Macarthur." It is derived from the Scottish Gaelic language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 4,006 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Macarthur ranks as the #8,274 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Macarthur come from?
The Macarthur surname has its roots in Scottish heritage. Names of Scottish origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Macarthur name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Macarthur trace back to Scottish Gaelic. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Macarthur |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Macarthur |
| Origin | Scottish |
| Language | Scottish Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #8,274 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,006 |
| Per 100K People | 1.36 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Macarthur
According to the US Census, the Macarthur surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,006 Americans with the Macarthur last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 90.54% |
| Black | 3.17% |
| Hispanic | 2.62% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.75% |
| Native American | 1.05% |
| Two or More Races | 1.87% |
Popularity of Macarthur Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Macarthur surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Macarthur surname increased by 132 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Scottish Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Macarthur
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