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Mac or Mc

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Immi666 | 12:33 Thu 01st Mar 2007 | Phrases & Sayings
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Is there a reason for the difference between the Mac and the Mc (MacDonald, McDonald) ? Or did it just get shortened over time?
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Avatar Image jno
In Victorian novel you sometimes find it written as M' (M'Donald) so I should think it developed randomly. But Scots may correct me if I'm all wrong.
13:37 Thu 01st Mar 2007
Avatar Image Quizmonster
Both forms mean 'son of' in Scots and Irish Gaelic so they are, in effect, interchangeable. If anything, the 'mac' form is more common in Ireland and the 'mc' form in Scotland but both exist in both countries.
16:35 Thu 01st Mar 2007
Avatar Image Quizmonster
Click here for a little more information.
16:38 Thu 01st Mar 2007
Avatar Image jno
McQuizmonster's word is good enough for me.
20:24 Thu 01st Mar 2007
Avatar Image Quizmonster
As it happens, I have a 'Mc' - with the 'c' raised above the line - surname myself, J.
21:43 Thu 01st Mar 2007
Avatar Image Peter Pedant
I think in a scots telephone directory they are all lumped together arent they ?
and then the initials......
22:05 Sun 04th Mar 2007

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