Here's how it works:
* Mhic is followed by the genitive form of the father's given name.
* The genitive form is the possessive form of a noun, indicating ownership.
* This creates a surname that literally translates to "son of [father's name]".
For example:
* "MacDonald" means "son of Donald".
* "MacGregor" means "son of Gregor".
* "MacIntyre" means "son of Intyre".
Note: The spelling can sometimes vary depending on the specific Gaelic dialect and the evolution of the surname over time. You might also see variations like "Mc" or "Mac" instead of "Mhic".
It's important to remember that this is a general rule, and there are exceptions. Some surnames might be derived from a place name or occupation rather than a paternal lineage.