All surnames

Irish surname

McCarthy

Son of Carthach

Clan or community name

McCarthy (Mac Cárthaigh) means 'son of Carthach', a personal name meaning 'loving'. The McCarthys were the leading family of the Eóganachta dynasty in Munster and for centuries ruled as kings of Desmond. Their power base was in modern Counties Cork and Kerry.

The surname remains common in Munster and among the Irish diaspora. Variants include MacCarthy and McCarty. The family produced several notable figures in Irish history and literature.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the surname McCarthy mean?+

Son of Carthach. Carthach is traditionally glossed as "loving" or "affectionate", from Irish "carthach".

Is McCarthy a common surname?+

McCarthy is a Irish-origin surname. Popularity varies widely by country and region, and the same surname can be common in one place and rare in another.

Can two families with the same surname be unrelated?+

Yes. Surnames, especially occupational and descriptive ones like this, were often adopted independently by many unrelated families who happened to share a trade, appearance, or location.

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