McNaughts

McNaughts is a surname of Scottish origin. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname Mac an Fhionnlaigh, meaning "son of Fionnlagh". Fionnlagh is a personal name derived from the Gaelic words "fionn" meaning "fair" or "white" and "lagh" meaning "law" or "chieftain".

The McNaught clan, while not as widely recognized as some of the larger Scottish clans, has a historical presence in various parts of Scotland, particularly in the southwest. Early records indicate the presence of the name in areas such as Dumfriesshire and Ayrshire. Like many Scottish surnames, it is believed to have spread throughout the country and beyond with migration.

Over time, variations in spelling have emerged, including McNaughton, McNaghten, and others, reflecting regional pronunciations and scribal practices. Today, individuals with the McNaught surname and its variations can be found in Scotland, as well as in countries with significant Scottish diaspora, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The name is not associated with a specific territorial clan chief in the modern era, but rather represents a patronymic lineage.