McCreath

McCreath is a surname of Scottish origin. It is generally considered a variant of the surname Macrae, anglicized in various ways over time. The Macrae clan, historically associated with Kintail in the Scottish Highlands, has a long and prominent history.

Origin and Meaning

The name McCreath, like Macrae, derives from the Gaelic Mac Raith, meaning "son of grace" or "son of prosperity." The element rath signifies grace, prosperity, or good fortune.

Distribution

While primarily a Scottish name, McCreath, along with other variations of Macrae, can be found in areas where Scottish people have migrated, including other parts of the United Kingdom, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. The concentration of the name is generally lower than that of its more common form, Macrae.

Notable People

Due to its relative rarity, specific individuals with the surname McCreath are less frequently highlighted in historical records than those with the Macrae surname. However, individuals with this name share a common ancestral origin with the Macrae clan.

Clan Affiliation

The McCreath surname is generally considered a sept of Clan Macrae. Septs are families that historically aligned themselves with a particular Scottish clan, often offering allegiance and military service in exchange for protection and kinship. As a sept, individuals with the name McCreath are entitled to wear the Macrae tartan and participate in clan activities.

Variations

The surname McCreath has numerous variations, reflecting the evolution of surnames over time and the influence of different regional dialects and spellings. Some related surnames include Macrae, Macrath, McCrae, and Raith.