Surname MacGarry - Meaning and Origin
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MacGarry: What does the surname MacGarry mean?
The last name MacGarry is of Scottish origin. It is a variant of the older Gaelic name Mac Ghearradha, usually Anglicized as MacGarvie, MacGarvey, or MacGarvey, which is derived from the Gaelic "mac ghearradha," meaning 'son of force.' An alternative translation is 'son of rigor' or 'son of severity.'
The MacGarry surname is thought to have first emerged in Scotland in the northern region of Ross and Cromarty. It likely originated from a prominent family who, at the time, lived in the Clanranald area of the Scottish Highlands. The earliest references to the MacGarry name indicate the family was noble and prominent citizens of their era and were significant holders of lands and property.
Throughout Scottish history, the MacGarry surname was associated with Clanranald, a powerful clan that was often involved in territorial disputes. They had a strong presence within the region until its eventual decline in the 1600's.
The MacGarrys are still well-known in Scotland and abroad. Famous bearers include, Adrienne MacGarry OBE, the ten-time Scottish National Winner of the Ladies Singles bowls Championship, and Lt General Andrew MacGarry KCB CBE, the former Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. Today, many members of the family still live in and around Clanranald.
Order DNA origin analysisMacGarry: Where does the name MacGarry come from?
The last name MacGarry is most commonly found today in Ireland. Scottish clans were historically associated with certain areas of Scotland, and the MacGarry clan originated in the Highlands. The name is an Anglicization of the Gaelic term MacGriogair, meaning 'son of Griogair'. The Clan MacGarry is an ancient Highland Scottish clan which was once a prominent family throughout the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. The clan is still well represented in their traditional Scottish homelands, particularly in counties like Highland, Wester Ross and Inverness-shire.
The last name MacGarry is also found in significant numbers throughout the Great Britain and the United States of America. The majority of the MacGarrys were part of the surge of Scots who emigrated from Scotland following the two World Wars in search of new lives in countries like Canada and the USA. The United States is home to the largest population of MacGarrys outside of Scotland, and there are over 11,000 Americans bearing the name. There are also large numbers of MacGarrys in Canada.
It is also possible to find people with the MacGarry surname in several other countries around the world such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India. The MacGarrys have left their mark in most of these places through their ancestors who chose to leave Scotland in search of better lives, economic prospects and religious freedom.
Overall, the name MacGarry is most commonly found today in Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States and other places around the world that were once settled by Scots.
Variations of the surname MacGarry
The surname MacGarry has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variant of the surname is MacGarrey. Other variants of the surname include MacGarry, McGary, McGarry, Magary, MacGeary, MacGeery, and MacGhee.
The surname MacGarry originated in Ireland and is derived from the Irish clan MacGarry. The Clan MacGarry is a branch of the Scottish Clan MacGregor. Many of the variants and names of the same origin of the MacGarry surname are derived from the Clan MacGregor and can be found in both Scotland and Ireland.
Variants and names of the same origin of MacGarry can be found in Scotland, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Each of these countries have unique ancestral variations for the surname and can offer a great deal of information to those who are researching their family histories.
Some of the other surnames of the same origin as MacGarry include McGarrie, Garrihy, Garry, Geary, Gheeran, Gilleece, and Greary. Many of these surnames are commonly found in modern day Ireland, but have also been found in Scotland and other countries of the same origin as MacGarry.
These variants of MacGarry provide a great deal of evidence for those seeking to know from where their MacGarry ancestors may have originated. With the numerous variants, spellings, and names of the same origin, it can be very easy to trace your ancestry back to its original source.
Famous people with the name MacGarry
- Jay MacGarry: an actor known for his starring roles in films such as Wild America and Class Act
- Sean MacGarry: an Irish actor who appeared in Love/Hate
- Paul McGarry: an American singer and musician, best known as the lead singer and guitarist for the band Flat Footed Groove
- Bruce MacGarry: a Canadian actor, director, and screenwriter who starred in such films as The Grey Fox and The Dish
- Deirdre MacGarry: a Canadian actress, best known for her roles in films such as Sully and Pacific Rim
- Simon McGarry: an English actor whom is best known for playing roles in shows such as Emmerdale and Coronation Street
- Robert McGarry: an American actor and stage performer who has appeared in various television shows and films
- Sean MacGarry: an Australian actor, screenwriter, and filmmaker, best known for his roles in the television series Home and Away
- Maggie MacGarry: a Canadian actress, best known for roles in the films Who is Cletis Tout and The Return
- Matt MacGarry: an American actor, best known for his starring roles in films like Open Water and Beyond the Valley of the Dolls