Surname McDermott - Meaning and Origin
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read moreMcDermott: What does the surname McDermott mean?
The last name McDermott is of Irish origin and means "son of Diarmaid." The name Diarmaid itself is derived from Celtic elements "di," meaning divine and "ar," meaning without envy, sometimes interpreted as “free man.” According to Irish tradition, the family descended from Niall of the Nine Hostages, a legendary high king of Ireland. The McDermotts were a powerful family in the county of Roscommon in the Connacht province, where they held a family seat since ancient times. McDermott is a patronymic surname, meaning it was originally derived from the personal name of the father of the initial bearer. It continues to be a common surname in Ireland today.
Order DNA origin analysisMcDermott: Where does the name McDermott come from?
The last name McDermott is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Diarmada" which means "son of Diarmada" or "son of Diarmaid". This particular name translates to "free man" in English. The McDermott clan hails originally from the province of Connacht in the west of Ireland, particularly the region known as County Roscommon.
Today, McDermott and its variants can be found around the globe due to the large scale Irish diaspora over the centuries, most prominently as a result of the Great Famine in the mid-19th century. Significant populations of people bearing this surname can be found in countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Despite this dispersion, the name remains common in Ireland, especially in the western regions where it originated.
Variations of the surname McDermott
The surname McDermott is of Irish origin and comes from the Gaelic name "Mac Diarmada," which translates to "son of Diarmuid" or "son of Dermot." The name itself has various forms and can be spelled in numerous ways due to anglicization and localization throughout history.
Some different spellings and variations include MacDermott, McDermot, MacDermot, McDermit, McDermod, McDermaid, McDermond, McDermid, McDermmot, and McDermotroe. The name has been shortened or altered over time in some families, leading to derivatives like Dermott, Dermot, Dermody, Dermond, and perhaps even Derry.
It's also common for the prefix to change, as the "Mac" or "Mc" can be easily dropped or altered, resulting in names like Dermott or O'Dermott.
In addition, more assimilated variants in different countries may exist; for example, Dermody or Darmody can be found in Australia or the U.S, while Dermot or Kermit could be variants found in the United Kingdom or Canada.
These variations represent the same Gaelic origin but have evolved due to geographic and cultural influence. Despite these changes, however, they all trace back to the same ancestral "son of Diarmuid."
Famous people with the name McDermott
- Dylan McDermott: American actor best known for his roles in The Practice, Hostages, and American Horror Story.
- Debra Messing: American actress best known for her role in Will and Grace.
- Gary McDermott: Retired American professional basketball player.
- Doug McDermott: Professional basketball player playing for the Indiana Pacers.
- Janeane Garofalo: American actress and stand-up comedian.
- Finola Hughes: English actress best known for her role as Anna Devane on the soap opera, General Hospital.
- Dick McDermott: American professional golfer.
- Donny Osmond: American singer, actor, and television host.
- Bill McDermott: Former CEO of the software company SAP.
- Kevin McDermott: Singer-Songwriter.
- John McDermott: Canadian singer known for his traditional Irish and Scottish songs.
- Robby McDermott: American actor best known for his role as Sam Winston in the television series Party of Five.
- LaLaine McDermott: American actress best known for her role as Maddy in The Parent Trap.
- Cheyenne Jackson: American actor and singer who has appeared in several films, television shows, and Broadway and Off-Broadway shows.
- Brian McDermott: Former professional rugby league footballer and the current Manager of Leeds Rhinos.