McCarty
An Irish surname ultimately from Gaelic Mac Cartaigh, meaning “son of Cartach.”
The #939 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 8,357 Americans shares it.
Etymology
McCarty is an Anglicized form of Irish Mac Cartaigh, a patronymic meaning “son of Cartach.” The personal name Cartach is usually taken as a byname rather than a common word, so the surname’s deeper literal sense is somewhat uncertain. Related spellings include McCarthy, MacCarty, MacArthy, and other Anglicized variants.
History
The name is associated especially with Ireland, where the McCarthy family name became prominent in several regions and was widely Anglicized in different ways. In English-language records, McCarty often appears as a simplified spelling of McCarthy, especially in North America. The historical sources provided list McCarty alongside other McCarthy-type forms, reinforcing its treatment as part of the same Irish surname group.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The spelling McCarty is often treated as a streamlined English spelling of the better-known McCarthy.
From the historical record
“Carthy, MacCartie, MacArthy, MacCarty, etc. mAc CAjicAin, MacCartan, Mac Carten, MacCarton, Mac Cartin, Cartan, Carton, etc.”
— Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall: Irish names and surnamesNotable people named McCarty
- Billy the Kid (1859–1881)
Sourced from Wikidata; linked to their Wikipedia page.