Mac or Mc

[Immi666]

Is there a reason for the difference between the Mac and the Mc (MacDonald, McDonald) ? Or did it just get shortened over time?

[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.

[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.

[Quizmonster]

Click here for a little more information.

[jno]

McQuizmonster's word is good enough for me.

[Quizmonster]

As it happens, I have a 'Mc' - with the 'c' raised above the line - surname myself, J.

[Peter Pedant]

I think in a scots telephone directory they are all lumped together arent they ?
and then the initials......