Meaning & History
Etymology
Cormacc is the Old Irish spelling of Cormac. The name is derived from Old Irish Cormacc or Corbmac, which itself may come from corb meaning "chariot, wagon" or corbbad "defilement, corruption" combined with macc "son." As such, it could be interpreted as "son of the chariot" or "son of defilement," though the precise meaning remains uncertain.
Historical and Legendary Bearers
The name Cormac (and by extension Cormacc) appears in Irish legend, most notably as Cormac mac Airt, a semi-legendary high king of Ireland said to have ruled in the 3rd century AD. He is a prominent figure in the Ulster Cycle and appears in tales alongside the hero Fionn mac Cumhaill. Several early Irish saints also bore the name, contributing to its enduring religious and cultural significance.
Usage
While Cormacc is the Old Irish form, the modern standard in both Irish and English is Cormac. The name experienced a revival in Ireland in the 20th century. Variants include the related Cormack (English and Scottish).
- Origin: Old Irish, from Cormacc or Corbmac
- Meaning: Possibly "son of the chariot" or "son of defilement"
- Usage Regions: Ireland, Scotland, and the Irish diaspora
- Yes, it's a masculine given name.