MacNulty

MacNulty is a surname of Irish origin. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic Mág Lachtna. The prefix "Mág" means "son of" or "descendant of," and the personal name "Lachtna" is believed to derive from "lacht," meaning "milk." Therefore, MacNulty can be interpreted as "son of Lachtna" or "descendant of the milky one." The name is most commonly found in the province of Ulster in Ireland, particularly in counties Donegal and Tyrone.

Historically, the MacNultys were a prominent Gaelic clan. Their ancestral territory was primarily in the region of Tirhugh in County Donegal. Like many Irish surnames, MacNulty has been dispersed throughout the world due to emigration, with significant populations now residing in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Variations in spelling can occur due to historical transcription and anglicization processes. Some common variants include McNulty, McAnulty, and Manalty. The distribution of the surname reflects patterns of Irish migration over centuries.