Surname MacQuery - Meaning and Origin
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MacQuery: What does the surname MacQuery mean?
The last name MacQuery is derived from the Gaelic phrase "Mac Shuibhne," which literally means "son of Suibhne." Suibhne was a legendary king from ancient Ireland, and it is thought that the MacQuery surname is rooted in a long line of kings and noblemen that descended from him.
The MacQuery family is believed to have originated in the Loch Awe area in Scotland, with some members settling in Ireland. Historically, MacQuery families belonged to the Scottish Gaelic nobility and held a respected position as part of the ancient aristocracy.
The surname MacQuery is closely associated with Scotland and Ireland, but is now found across the world, with MacQuery families inhabiting various countries in North America, Europe, and Australasia.
The meaning behind the last name MacQuery is not known for certain, but its lineage points to ancient nobility and kingship, as well as a strong bond to the Celtic culture of Scotland and Ireland. MacQuerys are thought to be proud of their heritage and have held onto its traditions for centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisMacQuery: Where does the name MacQuery come from?
The surname MacQuery is common in the British Isles, especially in Northern Ireland and Scotland. It is also found in the Republic of Ireland, Canada, the United States and Australia.
The MacQuery surname is most commonly thought to be of Irish origin, with variants such as McQuade and McCready. It is believed to have come from the Gaelic ‘Mac an Chomaidh,’ meaning “son of the hound.” It is possible it was the name of a Chieftain of the O’Rourke Clan in the Middle Ages.
In Northern Ireland, the MacQuery surname is linked to the ancient Ulster kingdom of Airghialla, today known as Northern Ulster. The same family may have branched out to Scotland and other parts of the British Isles during the Protestant Reformation. It is also possible it was brought over by the Scottish settlers who arrived in Ulster during the plantation period of the 1600s.
In the United States, MacQuery families can be found among people of Scots-Irish and Irish descent, especially in the South. In more recent times, some have moved out of the South and across other states, from Massachusetts to California, although the surname still remains most common in the south-eastern states. The same is true for Canada, where the surname is also most common in the eastern provinces, particularly among Canada’s Irish-Canadian community.
In Australia, MacQueries have been found in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. It is likely many are descended from 19th century settlers of Irish, Scots-Irish and other British Isles heritage.
Variations of the surname MacQuery
The surname MacQuery is derived from the Gaelic Mac Cuidightigh, meaning "son of the pigeon lord". The distinguished surname MacQuery is found primarily in Ireland, suggesting the family likely descended from a prominent chieftain.
Variants of the surname MacQuery include McQuery, MacQuerrie, MacQueryer, Makquerie, MacQuary, MacCuigheidhe, MacQuary, Macqueerie, MacQueirrie, Macqueury and McQuerry. Spellings include MacQuoiri, MacQhuyri, MacQuory, MacQuyry, MacQweerie and MacQuayre.
The MacQuery surname has many other surnames which are derived from the same root name, all of which are variations of the original Gaelic spelling. The Anglicisation of the Gaelic Mac Cuidightigh surname into "MacQuery" saw the adoption of other derived variations, such as MacQuary, MacQuerrie and MacQhuyri. Other surnames derived from Mac Cuidightigh include MacCoy, MacQuarrie, MacGuire, MacGeouge and MacGurdy.
Despite the numerous variant spellings of the MacQuery surname, all of the variations can ultimately trace their roots back to the original Gaelic Mac Cuidightigh name. In some cases, the surname may have evolved over time to become a completely different version, but the ultimate origin remains the same.
Famous people with the name MacQuery
- Fergus MacQuery: Canadian actor, best known for his roles as Dr. Evan Whipple on CBC's Little Mosque on the Prairie series, and as Richard Tyler on Global's The Firm.
- Linda MacQuery: Canadian film producer, founder of MacQuery Productions and the 2006 Gemini Award recipient.
- Hugh MacQuery: Canadian politician and former environment minister of Ontario, member of the provincial legislature from 2006 to 2011.
- David MacQuery: Canadian writer, editor, and publisher. Winner of the 2011 Lambda Literary Award for the Best Gay Anthology.
- Alexander MacQuery: Canadian politician who served as mayor of Collingwood, Ontario, from 1975–1985.
- John MacQuery: Canadian television presenter and former radio host, best known for hosting the long-running quiz show Quiz Kids.
- Duncan MacQuery: Canadian fashion designer and entrepreneur, founder and CEO of luxury label MacQuery Industries.
- Heather MacQuery: Canadian actress, best known for her roles as Bonnie Prince 13 in the web series Charged and as Olivia Simon in the television movie Swiss Army Man.
- Trinian MacQuery: Canadian comedian and writer, best known as a regular performer at the legendary Yuk-Yuk's comedy club in Toronto.
- Maddie MacQuery: Canadian actress, popular for playing the role of Roni Robie in the Family Channel series My Life is a Sitcom.