McCaig

McCaig is a Scottish surname, anglicized from the Gaelic MacThaoig, meaning "son of Tadhg". The name Tadhg itself derives from Old Irish Tadg, meaning "poet".

Etymology

The surname McCaig originates from the Gaelic patronymic Mac Thaoig, where mac means "son of" and Thaoig is a lenited form of the personal name Tadhg. This naming tradition is common in Scottish and Irish Gaelic cultures, reflecting a paternal lineage.

Notable Bearers

• John Stuart McCaig (1823–1902), a Scottish architect best known for building McCaig's Tower, a prominent folly in Oban, Scotland.
• Bud McCaig (1929–2005), a Canadian businessman and owner of the Calgary Flames hockey team.
• Dave McCaig (born 1971), a Canadian cartoonist and colorist for DC and Marvel comics.
• David McCaig (born 1956), a Scottish footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs including St Johnstone and Partick Thistle.
• Donald McCaig (1940–2018), an American writer and poet known for his novel Jacob's Ladder about the Civil War.
• Doug McCaig (1919–1982), a Canadian ice hockey player who appeared in the NHL for the New York Rangers.
• Iain McCaig (born 1957), a Canadian illustrator and conceptual artist for films like Star Wars and Harry Potter.

Cultural Significance

McCaig's Tower, built by John Stuart McCaig around 1897, is a Romanesque-inspired folly on a hill in Oban. Originally intended as a museum and art gallery, it remains a prominent landmark.

Key Facts

• Meaning: Son of Tadhg
• Origin: Scottish Gaelic
• Type: Patronymic surname
• Regions: Scotland, Irish diaspora