EARLY HISTORY OF THE McDonald/MacDonald FAMILY  -- Scottish Roots

The surname, MacDonald, means the son of or descendant of Donald. 

The first of the great Scottish clans was Clan Donald, descended from Somerled, who was descended from the ancient High Kings of Ireland. Originally a single clan, some branches later became substantial independent clans.  The Gaelic name of which Donald is an Anglicization is Domhnall (world ruler).  Some clans adopted the spelling Mcdonell, which is the same as MacDonald.

The original progenitor of the MacDonalds was Donald, son of Ranald, son of Somerled (died 1164).  This clan has been known for centuries for its fearlessness and bravery and also for its ancient and unbroken lineage. 

In Scottish histories of the family the name is always written Macdonald or MacDonald, while those of the clan who have come to America usually use the abbreviation, McDonald.