Surname MacMoyer - Meaning and Origin
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MacMoyer: What does the surname MacMoyer mean?
The last name MacMoyer is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic Mac Moire. The prefix ‘Mac’ indicates ‘son of’, while ‘Moire’ is a diminutive of the personal name Maolruadh, which in turn is derived from the words ‘maol’ meaning ‘devotee’ and ‘ruadh’, which means ‘red’. It is believed that the surname was given to people with reddish hair or complexion.
When the Highland clans migrated from Scotland to Ireland in the 16th and 17th centuries, they brought the surname with them, where it can still be found today. The original Irish pronunciation of MacMoyer is Muh-moy-er.
Throughout the centuries, the spelling of the surname has changed with time. The most common variations include MacMorier, McCmoire, MacMoyer and MacMurray. Many of those bearing the name chose to anglicize it, which resulted in surnames like Morrison, Murray, Mowrey, Moyer and Morrow.
The two most common locations for those with the MacMoyer surname are Ireland and Scotland, with the largest concentration of the population living in Scotland. There are also significant numbers found in Northern Ireland, Australia, the United States, Canada and England.
Given its origins, MacMoyer is a very ancient surname that dates back hundreds of years. It has provided a sense of identity and belonging through the generations to those who bear its name.
Order DNA origin analysisMacMoyer: Where does the name MacMoyer come from?
The last name MacMoyer is most commonly found in the United States and Canada. It originated from an Irish-Norman family and is believed to have been brought to these countries by immigrants in the mid-1700s.
In the United States, the last name MacMoyer is most typically found in Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio, although it is found in other states as well. There may be some clusters in the Midwest, as well as some in the Pacific Northwest. It is also found in Hawaii and Alaska.
In Canada, MacMoyer is most commonly found in Ontario, especially around the Greater Toronto Area. It is also found in other provinces, particularly in cities where there are Irish-American communities, such as Halifax in Nova Scotia, and Montreal in Quebec.
Though the name has died out somewhat in Europe and the UK, there are still pockets of it in Ireland. Although it is not seen as often as other Irish surnames, it can still be found in some parts of the country, especially in the south-west and around Dublin.
Overall, the name MacMoyer is still fairly common in the United States and Canada. It is found mainly in the Northeast and Midwest of the United States, as well as in parts of Ontario in Canada. There are also some clusters of the name around the UK and in Ireland.
Variations of the surname MacMoyer
MacMoyer is a surname of Scottish origin, often spelled MacMoyers. The surname is also found as MacMuyer, MacMouer, MacMuer, and MacMurgatroyd.
The root of MacMoyer is the Scots Gaelic MacMhuirich which is derived from the Gaelic words "muir" meaning sea and "rich" meaning ruler. It translates literally as "son of the sea ruler", and while the literal meaning of the name is unknown, it is likely that it describes someone who protected or governed the sea coast, or who descended from someone with this role.
Variations on the spelling of this surname may also be found within records, including Macmoir, Macmoire, Macmoyre, Macmuyre, Macmyrie, Macmuir, Macmuer, Macmurray, Macmurrei, Macmurgatroit, Macmurrayd, Macmurraye, Macmurri, Macmurry, Macmurtha, Macmurther, Macmurthie, Macmurthra, and Macmurthre. Variations of brown may also include McMoyer, McMoyers, MeMoyer, MeMoyers and McMoyre.
The second element of MacMoyer is derived from the Old French moier, which became meyer in Middle English, and was used to denote someone who was a steward or a mayor of a town. With this in mind, the surname may also have originated as an occupational name for someone who administered an estate or a town, perhaps derived from the Scottish term Sparks-maister.
The combination of MacMoyer is still uncommon today and is not as widespread as it was historically; the spelling variations and surnames derived from it are also becoming rarer. However, the name can still be found in Scotland and countries with Scottish roots.
Famous people with the name MacMoyer
- Haley MacMoyer: Actress and singer best known for her leading role in the 2019 family drama "The Color of Water."
- Neill MacMoyer: Attorney, author, and philanthropist who served as a trustee on the boards of several private and public institutions.
- Dave MacMoyer: Former NFL player who played for the New England Patriots from 2004 to 2007 and is currently a studio analyst for Fox Sports.
- Austin MacMoyer: Country music singer and songwriter who has released several albums since his self-titled debut in 2017.
- John MacMoyer: Award-winning voice actor and voice-over artist.
- Lindsey MacMoyer: Award-winning Canadian-American actress, writer, and director.
- Heather MacMoyer: Award-winning Broadway and television actress known for her roles in "The Handmaid's Tale" and the Netflix series "Stranger Things."
- Bobby MacMoyer: Two-time Grammy-nominated Christian musician and songwriter.
- Thom MacMoyer: Emmy Award-winning makeup artist and special effects designer.
- Hunter MacMoyer: Professional golfer who is a two-time winner on the PGA Tour and has won one major championship.