McGrath is a Gaelic name with deep roots as a learned family of bards and churchmen.
Where does the McGrath name come from?
McGrath is an anglicised form of the Gaelic Mac Craith or Mag Raith, “son of Craith” — a personal name connected with grace or prosperity. The family were noted as a learned bardic family in the Gaelic tradition. It is also seen as Magrath and McGraw.
McGrath in Ireland
The name arose in more than one area, notably in County Clare and the Thomond region, and in the south-east around Waterford and Tipperary, where one branch were hereditary poets to the great families. As an old Gaelic name, McGrath appears in several spellings and is found today across Ireland and among the diaspora in the United States, Canada, Australia and Britain.
Did you know?
- McGrath comes from the Gaelic Mac Craith.
- The name is connected with grace or prosperity.
- The McGraths were a learned bardic family.
- Branches arose in Clare and in the Waterford-Tipperary area.
- It is also seen as Magrath and McGraw.
Related Irish family names
You may also like McGowan, McHugh, and Barry.
Carry the McGrath name with you
We craft heritage gifts for thousands of Irish and Scottish family names — mugs, woven blankets, ornaments and more. To find yours, type it into the search bar at the top of the page, or browse the McGrath collection here.
Frequently asked questions
Is McGrath an Irish surname?
Yes — McGrath is a Gaelic Irish surname, from Mac Craith, a learned bardic family of Clare and the south-east.
What does McGrath mean?
It means “son of Craith,” a personal name connected with grace or prosperity.
Is there a McGrath family crest?
Families of the name have heraldic traditions; the crest and tartan artwork on our McGrath products is created as decorative heritage artwork to celebrate the name.