MacCathrach

MacCathrach is a surname of Irish origin. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic *Mac Cathr^{*}$aigh*, meaning "son of Cathrach." The personal name Cathrach itself is derived from the word *cathir*, meaning "battle" or "warrior." Therefore, the surname MacCathrach can be interpreted as "son of the warrior."

The MacCathrachs are traditionally associated with the province of Ulster in the north of Ireland. While not one of the most prominent clans in Irish history, they were a recognized sept, meaning a subdivision of a larger clan or a distinct lineage. Historical records indicate their presence in various counties within Ulster, though their specific territories and influence varied over time.

Like many Irish surnames, MacCathrach has seen its bearers emigrate from Ireland over centuries, particularly during periods of famine and political unrest. This has led to the surname being found in other parts of the world, notably in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, where descendants of Irish immigrants have settled. The spelling of the surname may also vary slightly due to anglicization processes, with forms like McCathrach or variations thereof appearing in different records.