Surname MacQuary - Meaning and Origin
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MacQuary: What does the surname MacQuary mean?
The last name MacQuary is of Scottish origin, and is derived from the ancient particular territorial name MacQuarrie or MacGuary. It is believed that the original spelling of the surname came from the MacGuaire sept of the MacGregors who were located in Argyll in Western Scotland. The name evokes images of a proud warrior or strong clan leader who defended his territory against all intruders.
MacQuary is derived from the Gaelic personal particular name Macghuairidh, an archaic form of the masculine given name ‘Guaire’, which is derived from the Old Irish word ‘guaire’, meaning ‘noble’ or ‘mighty’. These first recorded forms of the surname date back to 1230, and are believed to have been taken from the Barony of Macguary, on the shores of Loch Awe in the ancient district of ‘Lordly Lochow’.
The earliest known record of the MacQuary name was in 1266, when a certain William MacGuary is mentioned in the ‘Red Book of Tay’. By 1300, the MacQuary family had established a significant presence in their new home in Argyll, often ascending to high positions such as public office and prominent military ranks.
MacQuary is currently a fairly uncommon surname, however, it is still associated with the same proud warrior spirit of its ancient inception. Those who bare the name will no doubt have a strong sense of identity and pride associated with it.
Order DNA origin analysisMacQuary: Where does the name MacQuary come from?
The last name MacQuary is an antiquated spelling of the more commonly used name McQuarie. It is derived from the Gaelic "MacGuaire," meaning "son of Guaire." Originally, the name referred to a follower of St. Guaire, who was the 6th century Bishop of Kilmacduagh in County Galway, Ireland.
The McQuari(e) family first settled in Galloway, Scotland in the 12th century. During the times of the Plantations in Ulster, in the 16th and 17th centuries, the McQuari(e)s left Scotland for the northern Irish province of Ulster where they established their own lands.
Today, the McQuarie name can be found in both the United States and Canada, as well as in its native Scotland and Ireland. The largest concentrations of the name are in Canada, particularly in the eastern provinces of Quebec and Ontario. In the U.S., the McQuaries have spread out among several states, with the largest populations living in California, New York and New Jersey.
The spread of the McQuarie surname across North America reflects that of the population of Scots and Scots-Irish descendants who arrived in the latter part of the 18th century, up to the early 20th century. The distinctive McQuari(e) spelling is not as popular in North America, with more common spellings becoming McQueary, McQuerry, and McQuiray.
Variations of the surname MacQuary
The surname MacQuary is an anglicized version of the Irish surname Mac Uighir, which can also be spelled MacQuarrie, MacQuarrie, MacQuarie, MacWhirry, and MacWherry. This surname originated in County Donegal, Ireland, where it is most commonly found today.
The name is related to the old Irish name Uighir, which can be translated to mean descendant of a hostile or fierce one. The original Mac Uighir sept in Donegal was related to the Ui Neill dynasty of ancient Ireland.
Today, there are a variety of other spellings of the name, such as MacGuire, MacQuire, Maguire, McGuire, McQuire, Macquire, and MacQuary. The name is also sometimes found spelled as MacWheri, MacWheery, McKwaire, or MacGuaire.
The surname MacQuary is most commonly found in the United States and Canada, though strong communities exist in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK as well. The surname is especially prominent in the Donegal region of Ulster, Ireland.
The most famous bearer of the MacQuary surname is perhaps Sir Edward MacQuary, a Scottish surgeon and explorer. He is best known for his contributions to medical science and is said to have invented the ophthalmoscope. Another prominent MacQuary is James MacQuary, a famous solicitor and barrister of nineteenth-century Scotland.
Famous people with the name MacQuary
- Malachy McCourt: Irish-American actor and writer.
- Clare MacQuarrie: Canadian soprano and entertainer.
- John Macquarrie: Scottish theologian.
- Robert MacQuarrie: International Soccer Player and manager.
- Jean MacQuarrie: Canadian artist and art restorer.
- Neil MacQuarrie: Canadian author and public figure.
- Emily MacQuarrie: Canadian actress and performer.
- Andrew MacQuarrie: Canadian film producer and director.
- Gordon MacQuarrie– American outdoorsman and author.
- Richard MacQuarrie: Scottish novelist and playwright.