NameCensus.

UK surname

Mcgarth

A Scottish surname derived from Gaelic meaning "son of the grizzled one".

In the 1881 census there were 139 people recorded with the Mcgarth surname, ranking it #16,228 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 79, ranked #33,100, down from #16,228 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Tweedsmuir, Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos) and Darlington. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Glenwood South, Telford and Wrekin and Barnet.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Mcgarth is 159 in 1997. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 43.2%.

1881 census count

139

Ranked #16,228

Modern count

79

2016, ranked #33,100

Peak year

1997

159 bearers

Map years

5

1861 to 1998

Key insights

  • Mcgarth had 139 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #16,228 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 79 in 2016, ranked #33,100.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 139 in 1881.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Mcgarth surname distribution map

The map shows where the Mcgarth surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Mcgarth surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Mcgarth over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 80 #19,558
1861 historical 105 #20,298
1881 historical 139 #16,228
1891 historical 126 #20,604
1901 historical 136 #19,110
1911 historical 52 #27,620
1997 modern 159 #20,339
1998 modern 124 #24,316
1999 modern 114 #25,766
2000 modern 101 #27,555
2001 modern 85 #29,396
2002 modern 76 #30,830
2003 modern 64 #32,056
2004 modern 57 #32,968
2005 modern 59 #33,008
2006 modern 57 #33,513
2007 modern 60 #33,539
2008 modern 67 #33,135
2009 modern 73 #32,923
2010 modern 79 #32,759
2011 modern 88 #31,801
2012 modern 86 #32,297
2013 modern 83 #32,813
2014 modern 84 #32,823
2015 modern 79 #33,127
2016 modern 79 #33,100

Geography

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Where Mcgarths are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Tweedsmuir, Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Darlington, London parishes and Toxteth Park. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Glenwood South, Telford and Wrekin, Barnet and Hackney. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 Tweedsmuir Peebles
2 Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos) Glamorganshire
3 Darlington Durham
4 London parishes London 3
5 Toxteth Park Lancashire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Glenwood South Glasgow City
2 Telford and Wrekin 009 Telford and Wrekin
3 Barnet 025 Barnet
4 Hackney 016 Hackney
5 Hackney 024 Hackney

Forenames

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First names often paired with Mcgarth

These lists show first names that appear often with the Mcgarth surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Mcgarth

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Mcgarth, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Multicultural and Educated Urbanites

Group

Diverse Educated Urban Singles

Nationally, the Mcgarth surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Diverse Educated Urban Singles, within Multicultural and Educated Urbanites. This does not mean every Mcgarth household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group includes many never-married individuals not living with dependent children. Many were born in EU countries and are now aged between 25-44. This Group is characterised by its ethnic group diversity, although those identifying as Asian are not well represented. Affiliation with the Christian religion amongst residents is low. Reported disability rates are low. Neighbourhoods include some central locations in London and other major cities. Private renting is the norm, and there is some overcrowding. Many individuals are educated to degree level, and full-time employment is common, particularly in managerial and professional occupations.

Wider pattern

Established populations comprising ethnic minorities together with persons born outside the UK predominate in this Supergroup. Residents present diverse personal characteristics and circumstances: while generally well-educated and practising skilled occupations, some residents live in overcrowded rental sector housing. English may not be the main language used by people in this Group. Although the typical adult resident is middle aged, single person households are common and marriage rates are low by national standards. This Supergroup predominates in Inner London, with smaller enclaves in many other densely populated metropolitan areas.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

The Greater London Mix

Group

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Mcgarth is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers, part of The Greater London Mix. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Mainly located in Inner London, these neighbourhoods retain a diverse employment structure, with some concentration in associated professional and technical occupations rather than skilled trades or construction. Social renting is more common and levels of homeownership are low. Many residents identify as Black. There is a lower than average rate of marriage or civil partnership, few that are very old (85 or over) and higher than average incidence of disability.

Wider London pattern

A Supergroup embodying London's diversity in many respects, apart from low numbers of residents identifying as of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Other (non-Chinese) Asian ethnicity. There is lower than average prevalence of families with dependent children, while there are above average occurrences of never-married individuals and single-person households. The age distribution is skewed towards younger, single residents and couples without children, with many individuals identifying as of mixed or multiple ethnicity. Social rented or private rented housing is slightly more prevalent than average, and many residents live in flats. Individuals typically work in professional and associated roles in public administration, education or health rather than in elementary occupations in agriculture, energy, water, construction or manufacturing. Incidence of students is slightly below average. Individuals declaring no religion are more prevalent than average and non-use of English at home is below average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Mcgarth is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Mcgarth falls in decile 1 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

1
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Mcgarth is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - Irish

This describes the area pattern most associated with Mcgarth, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Mcgarth

The surname McGarth traces its origins to Ireland, specifically from the Gaelic name Mac Graith. Originating around the 13th century, Mac signifies ‘son of,’ and Graith translates to ‘prosperity’ or ‘achievement’. The name itself is a testament to the legacy of a prosperous or fortunate family lineage.

Predominantly found in the province of Munster, particularly in Counties Clare, Limerick, and Waterford, McGarth was a name borne by influential families of that era. Historical records document the early presence of the McGarth family in ecclesiastical manuscripts, including the Annals of the Four Masters, a chronicle of medieval Irish history.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname occurs in the form of a family member, Fearghal Mac Craith, a noted historian who authored the "Triumphs of Turlough" in the 14th century. The family was influential within the Gaelic order, and Fearghal’s work provides a vivid historical account of the time.

Around the 16th century, mention of the name transitions from Mac Graith to a variant more anglicized spelling, McGarth, as was common following English colonization and the Anglicization of Irish surnames. In 1598, another prominent figure, James McGarth, appeared in historical text as a landowner in Limerick, reflecting the family's continued influence in the region.

A significant historical figure is Miles McGarth, born in 1620 and known for his contributions during the Irish Confederate Wars. As a soldier, Miles was instrumental in defending Irish Catholic interests during this tumultuous period.

The name also surfaces in the early 18th century with Edmund McGarth, born in 1703, who was recognized for his work in local governance in Waterford. Edmund’s involvement in civic duties demonstrated the family’s enduring prominence across generations.

In the 19th century, an illustrious McGarth emerged in the form of Patrick McGarth, born in 1825, and known for his role in the Irish Nationalist movements. Patrick’s dedication to the cause of Irish independence highlighted the surname’s association with activism and leadership.

Throughout history, the McGarth surname has retained its connection to prosperity and achievement, being borne by individuals who left indelible marks on Ireland’s historical and cultural landscape. From scholars to soldiers, and civic leaders to nationalists, the McGarth name remains a testament to its original Gaelic meaning.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Mcgarth families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Mcgarth surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Middlesex leads with 9 Mcgarths recorded in 1881 and an index of 3.18x.

County Total Index
Middlesex 9 3.18x
Glamorgan 6 12.19x
Cumberland 5 20.53x
Lancashire 4 1.19x
Durham 3 3.57x
Kent 1 1.04x
Yorkshire 1 0.36x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Merthyr Tydfil in Glamorgan leads with 5 Mcgarths recorded in 1881 and an index of 105.71x.

Place Total Index
Merthyr Tydfil 5 105.71x
St George Martyr 5 1041.67x
Whitehaven 5 384.62x
Spitalfields London 4 187.79x
Esh 3 491.80x
Liverpool 2 9.81x
Bradford 1 14.75x
Cardiff St John 1 62.11x
Maidstone 1 34.84x
Salford 1 10.13x
West Derby 1 10.18x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Mcgarth surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Margaret 3
Mary 3
Ann 2
Jane 2
Alice 1
Bridget 1
Catherine 1
Elizth. 1
Ellen 1
Emily 1
Julia 1
Norah 1
Sharlot 1

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Mcgarth surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
James 2
John 2
Andrew 1
Denis 1
Edward 1
Michael 1
Robert 1
Waller 1

Top occupations

Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Mcgarth households.

FAQ

Mcgarth surname: questions and answers

How common was the Mcgarth surname in 1881?

In 1881, 139 people were recorded with the Mcgarth surname. That placed it at #16,228 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Mcgarth surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 79 in 2016. That gives Mcgarth a modern rank of #33,100.

What does the Mcgarth surname mean?

A Scottish surname derived from Gaelic meaning "son of the grizzled one".

What does the Mcgarth map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Mcgarth bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.