Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Cormac

Cormac is an ancient Irish masculine name with uncertain origin. Most likely the name means “son of Corb” with “corb” being an Old Gaelic word for a “raven, crow.” This etymology seems likely for two reasons: the Ancient Celtic people were known for naming their children after animals, and, two, the raven was a particularly revered animal – in Celtic mythology, the raven was considered a mysterious, raucous bird associated with wisdom and knowledge. Aside from this, the name is also theorized to mean “son of the charioteer” (skillful control of a chariot during battle was also highly regarded in ancient Ireland). 
 
The name was most famously borne by a 3rd century High King of Ireland, Cormac Mac Airt, said to be the wisest man of the land and one who ruled from the seat at Tara for forty years. One historical record found at a monastery in the 17th century described King Cormac as “absolutely the best king that ever reigned in Ireland before himself...wise learned, valiant and mild, not given causelessly to be bloody as many of his ancestors were, he reigned majestically and magnificently.” Much Irish mythology and folklore developed around Cormac Mac Airt in the Middle Ages including the notion that, as an infant, he was carried off and raised by a she-wolf. He was also famous for a golden cup in his possession given to him by a sea-deity. If three lies were spoken over this magical cup it would break in three pieces; though three truths spoken over it would restore it to its wholeness again. Such a cup would come in handy for a king during his reign, indeed! When Cormac Mac Airt died, the enchanted cup vanished forever. 
 
Cormac remains a very popular boy’s name in modern-day Ireland and Northern Ireland (but considered quite uncommon elsewhere).   
 

All About the Baby Name – Cormac

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME CORMAC

The number Eight personality has everything to do with power, wealth and abundance. Somehow, this personality has been blessed on the material plane, but their authoritative and problem-solving traits provide evidence that their good fortunes are not just the luck of the lottery. They are well earned. This is the personality of CEOs and high-ranking military personnel. Eights are intensely active, hard-driving individuals. Success is only meaningful to them after a job well-done.  They are remarkable in their ability to see the larger picture right down to the smallest details, and organize a strategy around success. They then have the ability to direct a group around them toward any goal, and realize individual potential to get the most out of their team.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME CORMAC

Cormac has never been used with enough regularity to land a position on America’s Top 1000 list – in other words, this Old Irish charmer is off the radar. This may change soon, though. We find Cormac inching his way toward a coveted spot on our familiar list of name (he reached position #1098 in 2013). The name was only given to a little more than 150 baby boys that year (out of nearly two million) – so it’s still quite unique as far as American masculine names go (it’s currently ranked #68 on the Emerald Isle). If you’re looking for a cool name, and one that’s unique without being kitschy, this is one to consider. Cormick and McCormick are also being used today – though to an even lesser extent. 

Quick Facts

ON CORMAC

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Celtic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

KOR-mik

SIMPLE MEANING:

Son of the raven

Characteristics

OF CORMAC

Authoritative

Powerful

Tough

Tenacious

Wealthy

Problem-solver

Achiever

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Cormac

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME CORMAC

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME CORMAC

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Cormac


Popular Songs

ON CORMAC

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Cormac


Famous People

NAMED CORMAC

We cannot find any famous people with the first name Cormac.

Children of Famous People

NAMED CORMAC

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Cormac

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME CORMAC

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Cormac