Parent’s name
McCall surname meaning
An Irish and Scottish Gaelic patronymic, usually Mac Cathail, “son of Cathal” (“powerful in battle”); rarely Mac Cathmhaoil, “son of the battle-chief.”
The short story
McCall is an Irish and Scottish Anglicization, most often of Gaelic Mac Cathail, “son of Cathal,” a personal name meaning “powerful in battle.” More rarely it represents Mac Cathmhaoil, “son of Cathmhaol,” built from cath, “battle,” and maol, “chief.” Call is a shortened form; McCaul is a related spelling. Both Gaelic paths are patronymic, so parent’s name is the catalog type even when the exact personal-name root differs. Confidence is high for the Mac Cathail lead that dominates Ulster and Scottish records.
Also seen as: McCall, MacCall, Call, McCaul
Sources used
- Geneanet / DAFN entry for McCall (Mac Cathail; rarely Mac Cathmhaoil)
- FamilySearch / Irish-Scottish surname references for McCall
- Names2020_LastNames_RaceHispanic_Top1000.xlsx (2020 Census)