Parent’s name
McIntosh surname meaning
A Scottish Gaelic patronymic, Mac an Toisich, “son of the chief” (leader or thane).
The short story
McIntosh is the usual American spelling of Scottish Gaelic Mac an Toisich, “son of the chief”—toiseach meaning leader, thane, or clan head. It is the surname of Clan Mackintosh of the Scottish Highlands. Mackintosh, MacIntosh, and Macintosh are common variants; Tosh is a shortened form also found in Ulster. In the United States the name is also established among African American families through later adoption and inheritance. Parent’s name fits the Mac- patronymic structure, and the “son of the chief” reading is high confidence.
Also seen as: McIntosh, MacIntosh, Mackintosh, Macintosh, Tosh
Sources used
- Geneanet / DAFN entry for McIntosh (Mac an Toisich ‘son of the chief’)
- Wikipedia ‘McIntosh (surname)’ (Mac an Tòisich, leader/chief; Clan Mackintosh)
- Names2020_LastNames_RaceHispanic_Top1000.xlsx (2020 Census)