McNaughton

McNaughton is a surname of Scottish origin. It is an Anglicized form of a Gaelic name and is found in Scotland as well as among descendants of Scottish emigrants in North America and other former colonies. The spelling variants MacNaughton and Naughton reflect historical shifts in pronunciation and English orthography.

The exact Gaelic roots are not always clear in common usage, but the name is generally regarded as having patronymic or toponymic origins, tied to Gaelic given names and places. Over the centuries, the form McNaughton has appeared in regional records across Scotland and in diaspora communities, contributing to its spread in Canada, the United States, and beyond.

In modern reference, McNaughton is carried by individuals across a wide range of professions, including politics, the military, science, and the arts. As a relatively widespread surname within Anglophone countries, it features in genealogical and demographic studies of Scottish-descended populations.

See also: Naughton, MacNaughton.