1. Corruption of "MacBeathadh": The Gaelic name "MacBeathadh," which means "son of life" or "son of life-giving," might be the source inspiration behind the name "Macbeth." It was a common given name in medieval Scotland. Over time, the pronunciation and spelling of the name may have shifted to become "Macbeth."
2. Combination of "Mac" and "Bethad": Another interpretation suggests that the name "Macbeth" is a combination of the Gaelic prefix "Mac," which indicates "son of" and "bethad" or "beathha," meaning "life." In this sense, "Macbeth" could be understood as "son of life."
3. Legendary Origins: According to some legendary tales and chronicles, Macbeth was an actual Scottish king who reigned during the 11th century. These legends associate the name "Macbeth" with various battles, prophecies, and historical events. However, the extent to which Shakespeare's portrayal of Macbeth corresponds with the actual historical figure is debated.
It is important to note that the name "Macbeth" itself might not have a profound impact on the character's development or storyline within the play. Shakespeare often drew upon existing names, myths, and historical figures to create his fictional characters, often using names as evocative symbols rather than relying on their specific meanings.