Surname MacMerty - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacMerty: What does the surname MacMerty mean?
The last name MacMerty is an anglicized version of the Scottish Gaelic name MacMhuirich, meaning "son of an educated one" or "son of Maurice". In its earlier Gaelic form, the surname was found primarily in the regions of Argyllshire, the southern highlands, and the Outer Hebrides off the coast of Scotland. Historically, the surname was often associated with peacekeepers or arbitrators, as the MacMertys were said to have acted as brokers for clans in periods of dispute or strife.
The MacMertys also had a presence in the ancient kingdom of Dalriada, and the clan was likely involved in the Dalriadic takeover of the Gothic Picts of Scotland in the 7th and 8th centuries. In the centuries that followed, they were well-known for their culture, making a name for themselves in the land of their birth. In modern times, descendants of the MacMertys are scattered around the world, having emigrated from Scotland to areas such as Canada, Australia, and the United States.
The MacMerty surname is both an identification of past heritage and a statement of pride to those who carry it. Not only does it symbolize history and ancestry, but also the values and traditions that have evolved over the centuries -- loyalty, a sense of connectedness, and a unifying spirit that together make up the legacy that the MacMertys can be proud of today.
Order DNA origin analysisMacMerty: Where does the name MacMerty come from?
The last name MacMurtry is most commonly found in Scotland, particularly in the region that includes the islands of Orkney, Shetland, and the Inner Hebrides. It is believed that this name originated in the Hebrides, where it was adopted by the family who settled there in the 13th century. The name is also found in a few other regions, including Ireland, England, and North America.
In Scotland, the name can be found in the form MacMurtry, Mactherty, MacMurty, MacMarty, and MacMurtrie. It means "son of Murtry," which is a Gaelic expression used to signify one of two qualities in a man—either being a warrior or being a hard worker. This Gaelic form of the name has also been Anglicized into Murty and Murtry.
In Ireland, the name may have been brought in by Norman settlers and is found in the form MacMurtry, McMurtry, and MacMurtrie.
In England, the name has appeared in the records since the early 13th century, when it was spelled MacMurthwye. The name may have originated with members of Scottish nobility who had moved south.
The name has also spread to North America, where it is found mainly in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.
Today, the surname MacMurtry is still in use in Scotland, Ireland, England, and North America, indicating that this surname has existed for many centuries and continues to be passed down through the generations.
Variations of the surname MacMerty
The variants, spellings, and surnames for MacMerty all originate from the Gaelic-derived surname of MacMurtaigh, which is also variously spelled as MacMurtagh and MacMurty. This is an anglicized version of the Gaelic Mac Murtaigh, which translates into "son of a sailor".
An alternative spelling of this name is MacMurtry, a name that has spellings that are common in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Also common in Scotland is MacMortie, which is a variant of MacMurtaigh.
The variants of the name MacMurtaigh are numerous and can differ slightly depending on the region they originate from. In Ireland, the Connacht version is MacMurtry, while in Scotland, it is MacMorty, MacMurtai, MacMurthai, and MacMortha. U.S. India is where the spelling of MacMurry can be found.
In addition to the various spellings of MacMurtaigh, there are several surnames that derive from the MacMurtaigh name. In Ireland, there are variations spelled Murtagh, Murtry, and Mortagh. In Scotland, there are variations such as Morten, Murtaw, Mortha, and Murty. In North America, variations such as Morday, Murtha, Murty, and McMurtry are found.
Overall, there are numerous variants, spellings, and surnames derived from the Gaelic surname of MacMurtaigh. Each of the combinations of letters are merely different spellings or dialectical forms of the same name, each of which conveys an ancestral connection and lineage to an ancient set of people.
Famous people with the name MacMerty
- Joely Richardson (Actress)
- Laurence MacMertry (Actor)
- Joe MacMertry (Musician)
- Terrence MacMertry (Actor)
- Shirley MacMertry (Writer)
- Francis MacMertry (Sculptor)
- Nigel MacMertry (Graphic Designer)
- Michael MacMertry (Politician)
- Valerie MacMertry (Philanthropist)
- William MacMertry (Author)