McArtur Surname History

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

The root of the ancient Dalriadan-Scottish name McArtur is the Celtic personal name Arthur. It denotes the 'son of arthur', which means noble one.

Early Origins of the McArtur family

The surname McArtur was first found in Argyllshire (Gaelic erra Ghaidheal), the region of western Scotland corresponding roughly with the ancient Kingdom of Dál Riata, in the Strathclyde region of Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Argyll and Bute, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the census rolls taken by the ancient Kings of Scotland to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the McArtur family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McArtur research. Another 184 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1427, 1767, 1817 and 1890 are included under the topic Early McArtur History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McArtur Spelling Variations

The translation of Gaelic names in the Middle Ages was not a task undertaken with great care. Records from that era show an enormous number of spelling variations, even in names referring to the same person. Over the years McArtur has appeared as MacArthur, MacArtair, MacArter and many more.

Early Notables of the McArtur family

Notable amongst the Clan from early times was Alister MacArthur who was beheaded by James I in 1427; and John MacArthur of the Strachur branch (1767) who journeyed to Australia with the 102nd Regiment. He became actively involved in the development...
Another 41 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early McArtur Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the McArtur family to Ireland

Some of the McArtur family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 60 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the McArtur family

Many settled along the east coast of what would become the United States and Canada. As the American War of Independence broke out, those who remained loyal to the crown went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of these hardy Dalriadan-Scottish settlers began to recover their collective history in the 20th century with the advent of the vibrant culture fostered by highland games and Clan societies in North America. Highland games, clan societies, and other organizations generated much renewed interest in Scottish heritage in the 20th century. The McArtur were among the earliest of the Scottish settlers as immigration passenger lists have shown: Neil McArthur who settled in New York State in 1738 with his wife Mary Campbell and three children, Alexander, John, and Christian; Patrick McArthur also settled in New York State in 1738 with his wife Mary McDugall and children, Charles, Colin, and Jennet.