Surname MacMurrich - Meaning and Origin

MacMurrich: What does the surname MacMurrich mean?

The last name MacMurrich has its origins from Scotland, where it is derived from the Gaelic language. The root of the name is Mac Muirich, which is derived from two words– “mac” meaning “son of” and “muirich”, meaning “seaman”. This is a sept of the Clan MacKay of the Highlands, and has been around since the 11th century. This sept was often settled along the coast of Scotland and the Isles, and were deeply interlinked with the sea.

Due to the surname being of Gaelic origin, it is believed to derive from two specific families, the Irish of Thomond and the Scottish MacKay clan. This suggests that the MacMurrich family were once seafarers originating from Scotland, and likely traveled to Ireland and beyond. This migration allowed the name to spread to other parts of the world.

In modern culture, the surname MacMurrich appears to have a strong connection to Scotland and the Isles in particular. As a result, it suggests a sense of pride in ancestry and a sense of belonging, reflecting the strong cultural and historical ties of the original family name.

MacMurrich: Where does the name MacMurrich come from?

The MacMurrich surname is most commonly found today in the Irish diaspora, particularly in North America, Australia, and parts of Europe such as the United Kingdom and Germany. In Ireland, the MacMurrich surname is most commonly associated with County Kerry and County Waterford, where the Irish MacMurrichs are thought to have originated.

In North America, the MacMurrich surname is most commonly found on the East Coast from Canada to the United States, particularly in areas where there is a large Irish-American population. Canada, in particular, is likely to have high concentrations of MacMurrichs; descendants of the original MacMurrich settlers who arrived in Canada during the Great Migration of the 19th century.

The MacMurrich surname can also be found in Australia, particularly in the cities of Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth, where a large number of Irish Canadians and Irish Australians moved during the mid-20th century in search of better opportunities. Similarly, there are also pockets of MacMurrichs scattered across Western Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom, Germany, and France.

In Ireland, the MacMurrich surname is not as common today as it was in the past. However, the surname is still very much associated with its County Kerry roots, where the MacMurrichs are said to have held a prominent position among the Gaelic dynasties.

Variations of the surname MacMurrich

MacMurrich is an anglicized surname of Irish origin. Common variants, spellings, and surnames derived from MacMurrich include MacMurchadha (also found as MacMurchaidh and MacMurchadh), MacMurcadha, MacMurrough, MacMorrose, MacMorough, and MacMorris. MacMurchaudha is typically found in the Leinster and Meath provinces of Ireland, while variants such as MacMurcadha, MacMorrow, and MacMorrough are generally found in provincial Ulster. It is thought to have originally evolved from the Gaelic prefix ”Mac”, meaning ”son of”, and the personal name ”Murchadh”, meaning ”seaborne”. Apparently, this surname was given to the first to bear it in reference to their having been born away from their homeland by sea.

Another variant of the surname, MacMorris, is thought to have emerged in Scotland, and has been found linked to Clann MacMorrise of Islay and Clann MacMorris of Malahide in Northern Ireland. Variants of MacMorris including MacMorisec, MacMorys, McMorise, McMorries, and McMorrise.

Lastly, MacMurrough is a particularly popular variant, and is said to be most often found in the Ulster regions of Northern Ireland. The chosen spelling of MacMurrough is thought to signify loyalty to the 11th-century Irish King Diarmait MacMurchadha who established a mighty kingdom in Leinster during his lifetime.

In conclusion, MacMurrich is an anglicized surname of Irish origin, and common variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include MacMurchadha, MacMurcadha, MacMurrough, MacMorrose, MacMorough, MacMorris, MacMorisec, MacMorys, McMorise, McMorries, and McMorrise.

Famous people with the name MacMurrich

• Thomas MacMurrich: Canadian educator, public servant, author, and editor.
• John Macmurrich: Canadian Presbyterian minister.
• Robert Macmurrich: Canadian philatelist and historian.
• Patrick Macmurrich: Canadian geologist and geographer.
• F. J. MacMurrich: Canadian educator, writer, and editor.
• Kenneth MacMurrich: Canadian zoologist, biologist and educator.
• Charles Macmurrich- Canadian Liberal Party member of the Canadian House of Commons.
• George MacMurrich: Canadian war artist.
• Joseph Macmurrich: Canadian Liberal politician and magistrate.
• Alexander MacMurrich: Canadian politician.
• William MacMurrich: Canadian physician and surgeon.
• Frances MacMurrich: Canadian parent and activist.
• John MacMurrich: Canadian Olympic cyclist.
• J. A. MacMurrich: Canadian educator, author, publisher and book collector.
• Harlan MacMurrich: Canadian mechanical engineer.
• John D. MacMurrich: Canadian lawyer and judge.

Other surnames

MacMurrayMacMurrough