Surname Mac Rory - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Mac Rory: What does the surname Mac Rory mean?
The last name Mac Rory has Irish Gaelic origins. Mac Rory is typically an anglicized form of the Gaelic name 'Mac Ruaidhrí'. The prefix "Mac" means "son of", while "Ruaidhrí" is a personal name derived from "ruadh" meaning "red", and "rí" implying "king". Thus, the full name translates to "son of Red King". There may be some variations in spelling, like Macrory, MacRorie or MacRory, but the meaning still remains the same. This surname was traditionally used among families to denote their ancestry or lineage from a common patriarchal figure, in this case, a person named Ruaidhrí. Many historical figures in Irish and Scottish history have carried versions of this moniker. Remember, surnames can carry specific symbolic and cultural connotations primarily linked to heritage and family history. Today, people bearing this surname can be found largely in Ireland and other parts of the world due to Irish diaspora.
Order DNA origin analysisMac Rory: Where does the name Mac Rory come from?
The surname Mac Rory is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Ruaidhrí", meaning "son of Ruaidhrí". Ruaidhrí itself means "reddish king" or "great king". It is a patronymic name, indicating descent from a person named Ruaidhrí.
The name was notably held by the Mac Ruaidhrí clan, who were kings of the Hebrides and parts of Ulster during the 12th and 13th centuries. Although this clan was primarily based in Scotland, their roots are in Ireland.
Today, the name and its variants (such as Macrory, McRory, and MacRuari) can be found in both Scotland and Ireland, as well as in countries where persons of Scottish and Irish descent have emigrated, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. However, compared to many other Irish or Scottish surnames, Mac Rory is relatively uncommon. The largest concentration of individuals with this name is still in Ireland, particularly in the northern regions.
Variations of the surname Mac Rory
The surname Mac Rory is of Irish origin, originating from the Gaelic term "Mac Ruaidhri," meaning "son of Rory," a personal name originally derived from the elements "rí," meaning "king," and "bhard," meaning "poet."
Several variants or alternate spellings of the surname exist due to various influences such as different regions, dialects, and transcription errors over many centuries. Although the name was typically spelled as "Mac Rory" in the original Gaelic form, most variations stem from the Anglicization of the name during the 16th century. This resulted in numerous versions of the name, such as McRory, McRorie, McRory, McGory, MacGrory, MacRory, MacRorye, MacRorie, and MacRuaidhri, among others.
Other forms include McRury, MacCrory, MacCrorie, MacRauri, and MacRori. Oftentimes, the 'Mc' prefix, an abbreviation of 'Mac,' is also used interchangeably. Bear in mind that these variants often have their own distinct variants and spellings.
Irish surnames commonly have 'O' prefixes as well, indicating 'grandson of' or 'descendant of.' However, for the name Mac Rory, this is not typically the case as the prefix 'Mac' already denotes familial lineage.
Famous people with the name Mac Rory
- There are not many well-known individuals with the last name Mac Rory as it is quite unique and not widely seen in modern times. However, in the annals of Irish history, there were significant figures with variations of this surname:
- Rory O'More (Ruairi Mac Easmainn Ó Mórdha in Irish), also known as Rory O'Moore or Rory O'More, was a 17th-century Irish rebel who played a major role in the 1641 rebellion.
- Another historical figure is Ruaidri Ua Conchobair (sometimes modernized as Rory O'Conor), who was the last High King of Ireland until his abdication in 1186. He was also known as Rory Mac Rory. Keep in mind that in Gaelic naming traditions, "Mac" or "Ó" prefixes denote "son of," so surnames could change with each generation. This tradition can sometimes make it difficult to trace a consistent surname like Mac Rory through history. In the broader entertainment and media sectors, no notable figures by the name Mac Rory currently stand out. The name has been used in fictional works, such as a character named "Lisa Mac Rory" in the comic book series "The Flash" by DC Comics.