Macartney

Macartney is a surname of Gaelic origin. It is an anglicized form of the patronymic Mac Artáin, literally meaning “son of Artán.” The name is associated with Ireland and Scotland and has spread to other English-speaking countries through migration and the British diaspora. Variant spellings include MacArtney and McArtney.

Notable people with the surname include George Macartney, 1st Earl Macartney (1737–1806), a British statesman and diplomat who led the first British diplomatic mission to China, known as the Macartney Embassy, in 1793. The Macartney name appears in historical records across the British Isles, particularly in connections to political, administrative, and colonial roles.

Today, Macartney remains a recognized surname in genealogical and historical contexts, with descendants and communities tracing the lineage to Irish and Scottish roots. The name is often encountered in genealogical compilations and historical writings about Irish and Scottish families, reflecting its long-standing presence in the region.